Postdoctoral Researcher in Patient-Derived 3D Muscle Disease Modelling

Join Maastricht University’s cutting-edge Fitness Improving Technology (FIT) project and build innovative 3D muscle models to pave the way for personalized therapies in rare and common muscle disease.

As a Postdoctoral Researcher, you will develop and validate advanced patient-derived 3D skeletal muscle models to preclinically test therapeutic interventions in muscle disease. Using a commercial platform, you will generate and analyze engineered muscle tissues to assess mass, contractility, and other functional parameters under different treatment conditions. You will collaborate with experts in cell biology, bioengineering, and translational medicine within the international FIT consortium to generate preclinical data supporting clinical trials.

You will be embedded in the Department of Translational Genomics (TGX), Research Institute Mental Health and Neurosciences (MHeNS) within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) and will work closely with multidisciplinary teams from Maastricht UMC+ and the other 9 FIT partners from the Euregio Meuse Rhine (EMR). This position contributes to the work package "Treatment development: Preclinical studies in mouse and (patient-)derived 3D muscle disease models". The FIT project is carried out as part of the Interreg Meuse-Rhine (NL-BE-DE) programme and co-financed by the European Union.

Responsibilities / Tasks:

• Develop and validate 3D skeletal muscle models using patient-derived stem cells;
• Conduct functional analyses (mass, contractility, fatigue, resistance) under various therapeutic treatments;
• Integrate and analyze sensor-based readouts;
• Collaborate with bioengineers and clinicians to optimize model reproducibility and relevance;
• Document and report findings in reports and scientific publications;
• Contribute to the coordination of FIT work package 4 and interactions with project partners;
• Supervise MSc/PhD students involved in related activities;
• Present results at consortium meetings and international conferences

Requirements
The successful candidate will be a motivated and independent researcher with strong problem-solving and communication skills, and a collaborative attitude towards cross-disciplinary research within an international environment.

Hardskill:

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering, Regenerative Medicine, or a related field;
• Proven experience in 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, or organ-on-chip systems;
• Strong background in cell and molecular biology and functional analysis of muscle cells;
• Experience with data acquisition and quantitative analysis of physiological parameters;
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
• Ability to work collaboratively across institutions and disciplines;
• Experience in EU-funded or collaborative research projects (preferred);
• Interest in translational research and regenerative medicine.

What we offer
As Postdoctoral Researcher in Patient-Derived 3D Muscle Disease Modelling 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:

• Good employment conditions. The position is graded in scale 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3546,00 and €5538,00 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 36 months with a scope of 0,8 - 1,0 FTE.
• 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 position is hosted by the Department of Translational Genomics, part of the School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS) at Maastricht University. The Clinical Genomics research theme focuses on translating molecular discoveries into clinical applications for neuromuscular and mitochondrial diseases. The postdoctoral researcher will contribute to the FIT project—a cross-border initiative accelerating regenerative muscle therapies across the Meuse-Rhine region.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof.Dr. Bert Smeets at  bert.smeets@maastrichtuniversity.nl  or +31 43 3881845 for more information. Do you have any questions regarding the procedure, please contact Manon Souren (Recruiter) at  manon.souren@maastrichtuniversity.nl or +31 6 34577732.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral Researcher in Patient-Derived 3D Muscle Disease Modelling? Apply now, no later than 11/16/2025, for this position. Please upload your CV, motivation letter, grade list, contact information of 2 referees, and publication list. 

The first interviews preferably take place on 21 November 2025. The second interviews will be scheduled shortly afterwards. 

A presentation and orientation at the lab will be part of the second round of the application procedure. 

A reference check will be part of the application procedure. 

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.