Postdoc Position in Kidney Organoids and Advanced Bioengineering (ERC-CoG NEPHRON)

We seek a postdoctoral researcher 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). 

 

Postdoc position: kidney organoids and advanced bioengineering to join the ERC consolidator project NEPHRON

The postdoctoral researcher will conduct cutting-edge research focused on developing advanced in vitro models using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived kidney organoids. A key aspect of this work will involve integrating bioprinting and organ-on-chip technologies to create mature and physiologically relevant models. The researcher will join an intellectually vibrant, collaborative, and multidisciplinary environment that fosters innovation and scientific excellence. 

Requirements

• PhD degree with experience in one or more of the relevant fields (e.g., stem cell biology, developmental biology, tissue engineering, biomedical engineering, or related disciplines).
• Proven expertise in pluripotent stem cell (PSC) culture and differentiation, toward kidney lineage or organoid systems.
• Hands-on experience with kidney organoid generation and characterization, including functional assays as well as molecular and imaging techniques.
• Familiarity with advanced bioengineering approaches, such as bioprinting or microfluidic systems for in vitro model development.
• Strong publication record and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating excellent communication and problem-solving skills. 
• Excellent proficiency in English; knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Key expertise

• Hands-on experience generating and characterizing kidney organoids, including functional assays, molecular and imaging techniques.
• Experience with sequencing and related data analysis for organoid characterization.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to integrate multidisciplinary approaches.
• Familiarity with bioprinting or microfluidic systems for advanced in vitro model development.

The NEPHRON project

For more details about the NEPHRON project, please refer to the webpage https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101171952.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• 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 Institute (https://merlninstitute.com).
• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3378,00 and €5331,00 gross per month (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, which will be extended up to 2 additional years upon a positive evaluation, for a total duration of up to 3 years. 
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work options, including commuting and internet allowance.
• 29 vacation days and 4 additional public holidays, plus up to 12 additional compensation days.
• Excellent secondary employment benefits, including ABP pension, company fitness, and access to sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe. 

About FHML
The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences focuses on prevention, health preservation, and promotion, integrating education, research, and care in close collaboration with Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+). FHML offers innovative bachelor’s and master’s programs and cutting-edge research in clinically relevant areas.

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. 

Department
The successful candidate will be part of the Complex Tissue Regeneration Department https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departments-and-groups/ctr-department. The postdoc researcher will be supervised by Dr. Carlos Mota (MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University)

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

Starting date: March or as soon as possible.

Application

Are ready to become our new Postdoc? Apply now or no later than 25th January 2026, for this position.

The application should contain:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of academic transcripts (PhD diploma, MSc transcript, BSc transcript)
• Two recommendation letters

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.

Applying from abroad?
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.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University (UM), everything revolves around the future: the future of our students and society. With over 22,300 students and 5,000 staff across 6 faculties, UM provides an international and inspiring environment. Our Problem-Based Learning (PBL) method ensures students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.