Postdoctoral Researcher in Biofabrication (Additive Manufacturing)

Welcome to Maastricht University!
The world is changing rapidly, and we’re changing with it. Here, your work makes a difference – whether you’re exploring the future as a researcher, inspiring students in the classroom, or helping shape everything that makes our education and research possible.

Postdoctoral Researcher in Biofabrication (Additive Manufacturing)

• Our goal: Develop cutting-edge biofabrication technologies for complex tissues and organs that push the boundaries of regenerative medicine.
• Your colleagues: You’ll join the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration (CTR) at the MERLN Institute, working in a highly interdisciplinary and international team of engineers, biologists, and materials scientists. Together, we design technologies that open new possibilities for tissue regeneration, stem cell research, and bioartificial organs.

About the role
As a postdoctoral researcher, you will design, fabricate, and characterize 3D-printed scaffold architectures using a range of additive manufacturing technologies, including light-based (DLP) and extrusion-based (3D fiber deposition) approaches. You will take the lead on applied physics, mechanics, manufacturing processes, and algorithm/coding development within the bioprinting domain.

This position is part of a larger, EU-funded Horizon Europe 2027 project that brings together a highly skilled team of researchers. You’ll work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with ambitious goals, fast-paced challenges, and strong opportunities for growth. Results will be disseminated through top-tier publications and international conferences.

What you bring
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about your expertise, creativity, and drive. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• A strong background in applied physics, engineering, or a closely related field (MSc + PhD).
• Proven experience in material design, fabrication, and 3D printed structures (e.g. metamaterials).
• Enthusiasm for technology development in one or more of our research areas:
  o    Additive manufacturing (3D fiber deposition, bioprinting, digital light processing)
  o    Electrospinning
  o    Novel biomaterial formulations (e.g. hydrogels)
  o    Lithography and multiscale scaffolds
  o    Scaffold-free tissue engineering
• Excellent scientific English skills, both written and spoken.
• A collaborative mindset: you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international environment.

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

We offer: 

• A 1-year full-time contract, with potential for extension depending on performance and funding.
• A salary starting at €3,897 gross per month (scale 10.3), with possible higher placement depending on experience after PhD.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), plus four additional university-wide days off.
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and support for hybrid work.
• Excellent academic and professional development opportunities in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• A collegial, collaborative, and innovative workplace in the heart of Europe. 

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.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we seek solutions that move the world forward. With over 23,000 students and 5,000 staff, across six faculties and more than 70 research institutes, we are the most international university in the Netherlands. Here, you’ll have the freedom to push boundaries, explore new ideas, and make your work matter.

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.

 
About the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration (CTR)
CTR is part of the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine. We focus on advanced biofabrication technologies – from macro to nano – combined with insights from developmental biology to design and engineer complex tissues and organs. Applications include stem cell research, tissue regeneration, drug screening, and bioartificial organs. Learn more about us here: CTR Department.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Moroni: l.moroni@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral Researcher? Apply now, no later than 15 October 2025, for this position.
 

Applications should consist of a motivation letter and a CV (including referees that could be contacted). 

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.