Postdoctoral researcher with a recent PhD in (bio)medical physics or (bio)medical engineering

Welcome to Maastricht University

At Maastricht University (UM), we pioneer innovative technologies that bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical applications. Within the GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction, the MAASTRO Physics Research Division plays a leading role in advancing image-guided precision irradiation and realistic disease modelling.

As postdoctoral researcher, you will contribute to cutting-edge developments in preclinical CT imaging, precision irradiation, and advanced treatment planning. You’ll work at the forefront of translational research, in a dynamic environment where scientists, engineers, clinicians, and industry partners collaborate to shape the future of cancer treatment technologies.

 

Your colleagues

You will join a multidisciplinary team of physicists, engineers, biologists, and clinicians, all working towards one goal: advancing precision radiotherapy from lab to clinic. You will collaborate closely with senior scientists from Maastricht University and work in synergy with SmART Scientific Solutions BV, a spin-out company based on campus that develops commercial solutions for preclinical irradiation research. Together, we form an ecosystem where academic innovation and practical application go hand in hand. 

 

About the project

Maastricht University is currently expanding its preclinical research facilities with state-of-the-art technologies, including spectral CT, phase-contrast CT, Flash irradiation, and gated irradiation. This equipment will enable us to improve both imaging quality and treatment precision in rodent models, with the ultimate aim of translating findings into clinical trials.


This project has two main objectives:

  1. Developing novel hardware and software technologies for advanced preclinical imaging and irradiation.
  2. Refining disease models (primarily cancer) that closely mimic human pathology to support translational research.


You will play a key role in exploring innovative applications of the new equipment, contributing to software development (potentially AI-based), and providing expert support for ongoing radiobiological research projects.

 

Your work will focus on

  • Designing and conducting experimental research on advanced preclinical imaging (spectral CT) and irradiation techniques (gated irradiation).
  • Developing and testing software solutions for imaging and treatment planning workflows.
  • Collaborating with physicists, engineers, and biologists to align technological developments with biological research needs.
  • Supporting radiobiology research projects with high-level technical expertise.
  • Exploring AI-based methods for imaging analysis and dose verification (depending on your experience).

 

What you will do

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will:

  • Independently carry out experimental and computational research within an interdisciplinary team.
  • Develop software tools and support their integration into research workflows.
  • Provide technical expertise for preclinical imaging and precision irradiation studies.
  • Collaborate with SmART Scientific Solutions BV on technology transfer and application development.
  • Present your research findings at scientific conferences and contribute to high-impact publications.
  • Actively contribute to the organisation and coordination of the research project.

 

What you bring

We are looking for an enthusiastic researcher who thrives in a multidisciplinary environment. You are self-motivated, solution-oriented, and eager to apply your skills to translational oncology research.


You also have:

  • A recent PhD in (bio)medical physics or (bio)medical engineering.
  • A strong interest in radiotherapy, CT imaging, dosimetry, and translational research.
  • Proven analytical skills and experience in experimental research.
  • Experience in software development (e.g., treatment planning tools, imaging algorithms, AI-based applications).
  • Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
  • Fluency in English (spoken and written); Dutch language skills are not required.

 

You also have

  • A proactive attitude and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
  • A track record of high-quality scientific publications based on your PhD research.
  • An interest in contributing to the clinical translation of preclinical research innovations.

 

More information

  • About GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Reproduction: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/institutes/grow
  • About MAASTRO Physics Research Division: https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/research/institutes/grow/maastro-physics
  • About SmART Scientific Solutions BV: https://www.smartscientific.nl/

 

What we offer
As a Postdoctoral researcher at the 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 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE, with possible extensions. 
  • 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.

 
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Frank Verhaegen at frank.verhaegen@maastro.nl or Prof. Ludwig Dubois at ludwig.dubois@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information. 


Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral researcher? Apply now, no later than 11 September 2025, for this position.

You must provide your CV and a strong letter of motivation. At this stage you do not have to provide letters of reference.

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.

Job Type:  Academic
Faculty/Service Center:  Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
Closing date:  21-09-2025
FTE min:  1,0
FTE max:  1,0
Salary min:  €3546,00
Salary max:  €5538,00
ID job:  2408
Job Type:  Academic
Faculty/Service Center:  Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences
Closing date:  21-09-2025
FTE min:  1,0
FTE max:  1,0
Salary min:  €3546,00
Salary max:  €5538,00
ID job:  2408