PhD Position: Interactive biomaterials for immune modulation in regenerative medicine

Welcome to Maastricht University
At Maastricht University (UM), we believe science can—and should—make a difference. As a PhD candidate in our newly established MetaBolymer research group, you will be part of an ambitious effort to develop intelligent materials that interact directly with the immune system. By combining polymer chemistry, immunology, and tissue engineering, you will help shape the future of regenerative medicine. This is more than a PhD position—it’s a chance to co-build a lab, define a research focus, and grow with a team that values creativity, collaboration, and scientific integrity.

About the project
We are offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD position for a talented and motivated chemist with a strong interest in biomedical applications. The goal of this project is to create interactive biomaterials that influence immune responses at the molecular level.

You will focus on the design and synthesis of advanced polymeric systems that contain built-in biochemical and biophysical cues to direct immune cell behavior. These materials are more than structural scaffolds—they actively participate in healing by modulating metabolism and immune activity in a targeted way.

As part of the MetaBolymer group, you’ll work at the interface of materials science and bioengineering. The project combines fundamental chemistry with application-driven innovation, and you’ll collaborate closely with immunologists, cell biologists, and matrix engineers. While a background in immunology is not required, you should be open to learning and integrating biological concepts into your work.

Your research focus
As a PhD candidate, you will:

• Design and synthesize novel polymeric biomaterials with tunable physical properties such as stiffness, degradability, and surface topography.
• Develop chemical modification strategies to incorporate and present bioactive molecules within material matrices.
• Engineer materials that communicate with immune cells through metabolically active or inflammatory cues.
• Collaborate with immunology experts to study material–cell interactions in both in vitro and in vivo settings.
• Use advanced analytical tools (e.g. NMR, GPC, rheology, AFM, fluorescence microscopy) to establish structure–function relationships.
• Contribute to the scientific direction and culture of a young, fast-growing, interdisciplinary team.

Scientific background
The immune system is not just a defense mechanism—it also plays a central role in healing, regeneration, and biomaterial integration. In this project, we aim to develop bio-instructive materials that actively engage the immune system through molecular design.

By integrating biochemical signaling and material mechanics, we strive to build next-generation materials that help guide immune responses in a controlled, therapeutic manner. This research brings together principles from polymer chemistry, metabolic regulation, and cell–matrix communication, to unlock new ways of treating damaged tissues and improving the outcomes of medical interventions.

Our long-term vision is to design immune-responsive biomaterials that not only “fit in” biologically but also contribute actively to the healing process.

Who we’re looking for

You’re a curious, hands-on researcher with a drive to apply chemistry in meaningful, biomedical ways. Ideally, you:

• Hold a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Polymer Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• Have practical experience in polymer synthesis and material characterization (e.g. NMR, GPC, rheology, spectroscopy, or surface analysis).
• Are interested in applying chemistry to immunology, metabolism, or tissue regeneration—experience is not required, but openness to learn is.
• Enjoy working both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.
• Communicate clearly and effectively in English, both in writing and speaking.
• Are motivated to contribute to a collaborative, inclusive, and high-quality lab environment.
• Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

What we offer
As a PhD Candidate at the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, you will be employed by the most international university in the Netherlands, located in the beautiful city of Maastricht. In addition, we offer you:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from €2,901 in the first year and €3,707 gross per month in the fourth year (based on a full-time employment of 38 hours per week). In addition to the monthly salary, an 8.0% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus apply.
• An employment contract for a period of 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow. 
• At Maastricht University, the well-being of our employees is of utmost importance, we offer flexible working hours and the possibility to work partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. You will receive a monthly commuting and internet allowance for this. If you work full-time, you will be entitled to 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays per year, namely carnival Monday, carnival Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day. If you choose to accumulate compensation hours, an additional 12 days will be added. Furthermore, you can personalize your employment conditions through a collective labor agreement (CAO) choice model. 
• As Maastricht University, we offer various other excellent secondary employment conditions. These include a good pension scheme with the ABP and the opportunity for UM employees to participate in company fitness and make use of the extensive sports facilities that we also offer to our students. 
• Last but certainly not least, we provide the space and facilities for your personal and professional development. We facilitate this by offering a wide range of training programs and supporting various well-established initiatives such as 'acknowledge and appreciate'. 
   

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are largely set out in the collective labor agreement of Dutch Universities. In addition, local provisions specific to UM apply. For more information, click here.

Maastricht University
Why work at Maastricht University?

At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future. The future of our students, as we work to equip them with a solid, broad-based foundation for the rest of their lives. And the future of society, as we seek solutions through our research to issues from all around the world. Our six faculties combined provide a comprehensive package of study programmes and research.

In our teaching, we use the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method. Students work in small groups, looking for solutions to problems themselves. By discussing issues and working together to draw conclusions, formulate answers and present them to their peers, students develop essential skills for their future careers.

With over 22,300 students and more than 5,000 employees from all over the world, UM is home to a vibrant and inspiring international community.

Are you drawn to an international setting focused on education, science and scholarship? Are you keen to contribute however your skills and qualities allow? Our door is open to you! As a young European university, we value your talent and look forward to creating the future together.

Click here for more information about UM. 

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
At the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education are not solely focused on recovery, but place a strong emphasis on prevention, health preservation, and health promotion. Our aim is to use our knowledge and expertise to genuinely contribute to the well-being of individual people as well as society in total. 

In, research, and healthcare, FHML is closely collaborating with the academic hospital in Maastricht, together forming the Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+).  FHML is strongly connected in education, research, and care with the Maastricht academic hospital, together with which it forms the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+). 

FHML, which is the largest faculty of Maastricht University, is formed by an (inter)national community of employees and students. The faculty offers a wide range of Dutch and English-taught bachelor's and master's programs in innovative educational concepts in which the emphasis is always on building bridges to practice.
 

The multidisciplinary research of the FHML focuses on a number of carefully chosen topical current themes. In addition to research aimed at gaining new insights, it also concerns research whose results can be directly translated into concrete applications and innovations. The implementation of the various research programs is organized in our six graduate schools and two institutes.

 
Department

The selected candidate will become part of the "MetaBolymer" research group of Dr. Simon Van Herck and will be co-supervised by Dr. Sabine van Rijt. Joining MERLN means becoming a member of a dynamic, international research environment that brings together scientists from around 25 different countries and a wide range of disciplines. Our team values collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches, with expertise that spans biomaterials, chemistry, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and cell biology. Our researchers work in modern, fully renovated laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technologies. MERLN has an established track record in tissue engineering and is recognized for its strong focus on translating research into real-world applications.

Considering a move from abroad?
MERLN is home to a diverse community of international researchers who have successfully made the move to the Netherlands. Located in Maastricht, our institute benefits from the city's welcoming atmosphere, cultural diversity, and deep European roots. English is widely used both on campus and in everyday life, helping to create an open and supportive environment for international staff.

Maastricht’s strategic location at the heart of Europe means that cities in Belgium, Germany, France, and across the Netherlands are just a short train or car ride away. It’s also a family-friendly city, with excellent primary schools and an international school available for children of all ages.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Simon Van Herck via simon.vanherck@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD Candidate? Apply now, no later than 17 August 2025, for this position.
 

If you are interested in this position, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and relevant background;
• Your curriculum vitae (CV);
• A document (max. 2 pages) addressing the following questions:
  - How does a PhD at the interface of chemistry and immunology align with your long term career goals? What attracted you to this particular PhD position?
  - What do you consider your key strengths, and in what areas do you see room for growth? How do you plan to address these during your PhD?
  - From your perspective, what are some important current or emerging challenges at the intersection of immunology and chemistry? How would you approach one of these challenges from a research perspective?
  - What is your biggest dream (professional or personal)?
• Contact details of two referees who can provide a reference.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.