PhD Position: mRNA-Enhanced Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration

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PhD Position - Engineering the Future of Bone Regeneration: mRNA-Enhanced Biomaterials for Next-Generation Skeletal Repair

• Our goal: To develop next-generation biomaterials that actively stimulate bone regeneration by delivering molecular instructions directly to cells through messenger RNA (mRNA) technology.
• Your colleagues: You will work in a unique dual academic-industry environment, collaborating with researchers and professionals from a Dutch biotech company and the MERLN Institute at Maastricht University.

What if you could teach a biomaterial to heal bone by delivering the molecular instructions directly to cells? This PhD project explores exactly that question. You will work at the intersection of material science and molecular biology to develop a clinically relevant, market-available biomaterial for bone regeneration enhanced with mRNA therapy encoding osteogenic growth factors.

This project represents translational science at its most exciting: building on a product with real clinical potential and advancing it further using cutting-edge RNA biology.

The PhD project is embedded in a dual academic-industry setting:

• A leading company in regenerative biomaterials, in the middle of the Netherlands (40%)
• The cBITE department of the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University (40%)
• Additional collaborative sites involved in the project (20%)

This structure allows you to gain experience in both academic and industrial research environments while building a strong professional network across translational life sciences and biotechnology.

What you do
Your research will focus on developing biomaterial-based systems that deliver mRNA to stimulate bone regeneration.
Bone defects resulting from trauma, tumour resection, or degenerative disease represent a major clinical challenge. While autologous bone grafts remain the gold standard, they are limited by donor site morbidity and availability. Synthetic biomaterials offer a promising alternative, but robust bone regeneration requires more than a structural scaffold.

This project builds on a clinically available biomaterial platform developed by the industrial partner and introduces an innovative dimension: mRNA-based delivery of osteogenic growth factors, such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Compared to protein-based approaches, mRNA therapy enables transient, tunable, and safe expression of regenerative signals exactly where and when they are needed.

In this role you will:

• Perform physicochemical characterisation and optimisation of biomaterials, including surface modification and mRNA binding strategies
• Design and evaluate mRNA loading strategies and release kinetics under physiologically relevant conditions
• Conduct in vitro biological validation using primary human cells such as osteoblasts and mesenchymal stromal cells
• Develop advanced 3D culture models, including biomaterial scaffolds and co-culture systems
• Perform preclinical in vivo studies to evaluate bone regeneration efficacy and safety in established models
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary partners including chemists, molecular biologists, clinicians, and regulatory experts
• Disseminate research findings through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences

The project spans molecular engineering, advanced cell culture models, and preclinical validation generating the type of comprehensive dataset that supports regulatory and clinical translation.

What you bring
It’s not just about your skills — it’s about your scientific curiosity and motivation to work across disciplines.

• Academically grounded – You hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Materials Science, Biotechnology, or a closely related field.
• Interdisciplinary mindset – You enjoy working at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and biology.
• Hands-on researcher – You have laboratory experience and are comfortable working with experimental research techniques.
• Collaborative and communicative – You work well both independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong language skills – English is the working language of the project.
• Flexible and mobile – You are willing to travel regularly between Utrecht area and Maastricht.

The following qualifications are considered an advantage:

• Experience in bone biology, regenerative medicine, or musculoskeletal research
• Familiarity with mRNA design, RNA handling, or nucleic acid delivery systems
• Knowledge of translational or regulatory aspects of medical device or biologic development
• A FELASA B certificate or equivalent (Art. 9 qualification) for working with laboratory animals

What we offer
As a PhD candidate at Maastricht University, you will work in a highly international and interdisciplinary environment focused on scientific innovation and societal impact.
We offer:

• A 4-year PhD position (1+3 year contract), starting with a one-year contract followed by a three-year extension upon positive evaluation.
• Your salary would be €3.059,- gross per month in the first year and up to €3.881,- gross per month in the fourth year, according to the PhD salary scale. 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days per year (full-time) plus four additional university holidays.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid working where the position allows.
• A dual placement between the industrial partner and the MERLN Institute. 
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities in both the industrial partner and Maastricht.
• Close supervision by experienced mentors in both academia and industry.
• Exposure to the full innovation pipeline, from fundamental research to clinical application.
• Opportunities for professional development, networking, and participation in international conferences.
• A good pension scheme via ABP, company fitness options, and access to university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

You will become part of a vibrant scientific community with strong connections between academic research and biotechnology innovation.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

About the organisations
Industrial partner
The industrial partner is a clinical-stage company focused on developing innovative solutions for regenerative medicine. With a strong portfolio of biologically active biomaterials and a commitment to advancing regenerative medicine, the company bridges scientific discovery and clinical practice. 

MERLN Institute — cBITE Department, Maastricht University
The MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine is an internationally recognised research centre at Maastricht University. The institute focuses on developing next-generation technologies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Within MERLN, the cBITE (Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering) department specialises in designing and validating advanced regenerative therapies. By combining biomaterials science with deep expertise in cell biology, cBITE researchers develop innovative strategies for engineering functional tissue substitutes with clear translational potential.

Interested?
Want to know more about this position? Please contact: Prof. Dr. Martijn van Griensven (m.vangriensven@maastrichtuniversity.nl)
The end date of the publication is 12 April 2026. 

To apply, please upload:

• A motivation letter describing your interest in the project and your relevant experience
• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• The names and contact details of two referees

Apply now via the button below. We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

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.