PhD Position in Smart Biomaterials Through Dynamic Covalent Chemistry

Welcome to Maastricht University!
At Maastricht University, we push boundaries in research and education – and we do it together. In our growing interdisciplinary research team, you'll be at the heart of innovation in biomaterials and dynamic covalent chemistry. Join us as a PhD candidate and help shape the future of responsive, biofunctional materials for next-generation biomedical applications.

About the project
We are offering a fully funded, 4-year PhD position for a talented and motivated organic/polymer chemist to join our young and collaborative lab. As we shape our scientific direction and lab culture, you’ll have the opportunity to help build something meaningful from the ground up.

This project aims to design multi-responsive, dynamic biomaterials by integrating polymer synthesis, dynamic covalent chemistry, and bio-click reactions. The goal is to create topologically adaptable hydrogel networks that respond to external stimuli (e.g. pH, redox, temperature) and enable controlled drug release for use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

A particular focus will be the development of extracellular matrix (ECM)-like environments that support the growth and function of organoids and engineered tissues.

Scientific goals
You will work on:

• Developing synthetic strategies using template-directed synthesis to spatially organize reactive moieties in polymer networks.
• Exploring topology transformation and network rearrangement to achieve responsive material behavior.
• Tuning drug release kinetics through covalent and supramolecular mechanisms.
• Establishing structure–property relationships using advanced analytical tools.
• Applying your work to real-world biomedical challenges.

Scientific background
Dynamic covalent systems offer a unique route to reversible and adaptable materials. Inspired by nature—where dynamic covalent interactions govern the structure and function of biomolecules, and templated reactions are part of everyday molecular life—we aim to harness similar principles for material design.

By combining template effects with controlled spatial proximity of reactants, this project seeks to enhance reactivity and selectivity in covalent bond formation. Through this approach, we will explore how molecular design and processing conditions guide the assembly and adaptability of polymer networks, ultimately leading to biofunctional materials that reflect the complexity and responsiveness of living tissues.

Key references:

Schauenburg, D. & Weil, T. Not so bioorthogonal chemistry. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 147, 8049–8062 (2025)

Rijns, L., Baker, M.B., & Dankers, P.Y.W. Using chemistry to recreate the complexity of the ECM. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 146, 17539–17558 (2024)

Schauenburg, D. & Weil, T. Chemical Reactions in Living Systems. Adv. Sci. 11, 2303396 (2024)

What you bring
We are looking for a creative and driven researcher who’s eager to apply chemical principles to biomedical challenges. You should:

• Hold a Master’s degree (MSc or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Have experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis and materials characterization.
• Be comfortable using tools like NMR, GPC, rheology, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Be open to interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge exchange

Excellent scientific communication skills in English are essential. Dutch language skills are not required.

If you're enthusiastic about using chemistry to solve biomedical challenges, we’d love to hear from you—regardless of your background or where you're from.

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 €2901,00 in the first year and €3707,00 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 "Bio-click" research group of Dr. Dominik Schauenburg and will be co-supervised by Dr. Matthew Baker. 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 familyfriendly 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. Dominik Schauenburg at dominik.schauenburg@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than 7 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: Why do you want to pursue a PhD? What prior experiences have prepared you for this position?
• 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.