PhD position part of ERC CoG project NEPHRON

We seek a PhD candidate to join our team at the MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired 
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University in the Netherlands to work on a European Research Council - Consolidator grant project NEPHRON (Nurturing Environment - BioPrinting Human Renal Organ Networks). 

The PhD candidate will perform cutting-edge research in methods applied to the development of 
in vitro models, and more specifically bioprinting approaches for the creation of in vitro renal models. PhD candidates will perform their research in an intellectually vibrant and multi-disciplinary environment.

Project embedding
MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired Regenerative Medicine 
The MERLN institute (https://merlninstitute.com/) focuses on developing novel and challenging 
technologies to advance the field of tissue and organ repair and regeneration through, amongst others, the development of high-throughput material platforms to screen cell-biomaterial interactions. MERLN consists of an interdisciplinary team of researchers including fields as (stem cell) biology, materials engineering, chemistry, micro/nanofabrication, additive manufacturing, etc. The scientists at MERLN have an extensive network of collaborators within research institutions in and outside the Netherlands as well as with a number of biomedical companies, including their own spin-off companies, as entrepreneurship is highly fostered. 

Requirements

• Master’s degree with excellent grades from previous studies and courses along with experience in one or more of the relevant fields (e.g., Biofabrication, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, or equivalent title). Candidates who have completed their bachelor’s degree in a country where it is common to directly enter a PhD programme (e.g., the USA) are welcome to apply without a master’s degree but must demonstrate substantial independent research experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team. 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory. 
• Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Key expertise

• Experience in the fields of biofabrication, in vitro model development, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 
• Experience with Bioprinting, bioinks preparation and characterization.
• Cell culture expertise and relevant assays. 
• Knowledge in biomaterials science. 
• Knowledge and experience with microscopy, image processing and analysis. 

What we offer
As PhD position part of ERC CoG project NEPHRON at 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:

• Position in a research institute with cutting-edge biofabrication technologies such as bioprinting and a multitude of additive manufacturing technologies. 
• Interdisciplinary position in an international environment within MERLN. 
• 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 successful candidate will be part of the Complex Tissue Regeneration Department
https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departments-and-groups/ctr-department. The supervision team comprises Dr. Carlos Mota and Prof. Lorenzo Moroni (MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University)

Applying from abroad?
For those unfamiliar with the Dutch PhD system, it is standard to dedicate four years to completing laboratory work for the degree and for submitting a thesis comprising several experimental chapters, often including published research papers. The program is a full-time research degree, with coursework being optional.
 
MERLN hosts researchers from around the globe who have successfully navigated the transition to living in the Netherlands. Maastricht University, recognized as the most international university in the Netherlands. With its high-quality research and education, alongside a strong commitment to social engagement, Maastricht University has established itself as one of the world’s top young universities.

Maastricht is the southernmost city in the Netherlands, and is the capital of the province of Limburg. Situated on the Maas river, within walking distance of Belgium and cycling distance of Germany. Thanks to its central location, Maastricht is just a short drive from France, Luxembourg. A great place to spend some time, it contains some magnificent buildings and culture, taking the form of plenty of old houses and buildings, lovely cathedrals and a spectacularly cobblestoned town centre. The city is also well known for its fine cuisine, excellent shops and multicultural atmosphere. 
 

Curious?
For more detailed information you can contact Dr. Carlos Mota: c.mota@maastrichtuniversity.nl 

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now or no later than 23 March 2025, for this position.

The application should contain:

• Application form (mandatory, further details for application submission available in this link https://surfdrive.surf.nl/files/index.php/s/FcgMlBIxXZYOiqK ) 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of academic transcript
• At least one recommendation letter or contact information of at least one reference

Applicants can expect to hear from us within two weeks of the application deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in brief video interviews. Those advancing to the second round will attend either an in-person interview or an extended video call. Travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Starting date: as soon as possible.

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.