Two Postdoctoral Positions in Biofabrication at the MERLN Institute - CTR Department
The Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration (CTR) at the MERLN Institute, Maastricht University, invites applications for two exciting postdoctoral positions in the field of biofabrication and regenerative medicine:
- Postdoc in Computational Biofabrication – Focused on machine learning, evolutionary algorithms, and mathematical modeling for scaffold design and optimization.
- Postdoc in Stem Cell Bioengineering – Specializing in the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and organoids for 3D tissue development on engineered scaffolds.
These positions are part of an ambitious, cutting-edge research program funded by the European Research Council (ERC), offering outstanding candidates the opportunity to shape the future of tissue engineering and regenerative therapies.
Postdoc Position 1: Computational Biofabrication
Research Focus:
You will contribute to the design and optimization of 3D-printed biomaterial scaffolds using advanced computational approaches. Your role will be central in building mathematical models of scaffold architecture and function, and applying machine learning and evolutionary algorithms to guide the automated generation of novel scaffold designs. This project will include both in silico work (modeling, software development) and experimental validation (fabrication and mechanical/structural characterization of scaffolds).
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing predictive models for scaffold performance and mechanical properties.
- Designing and implementing neural networks and optimization algorithms.
- Leading software development efforts related to scaffold design automation.
- Collaborating with materials scientists and bioengineers to fabricate and test prototypes.
Who we’re looking for:
- A PhD in applied physics, mathematics, mechanical/biomedical engineering, or a related field.
- Proven expertise in mathematical modeling, machine learning, and algorithm development.
- Experience with 3D-printed structures (e.g., metamaterials) and computational fabrication methods.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++).
- Excellent command of scientific English (spoken and written).
Postdoc Position 2: Stem Cell Bioengineering
Research Focus:
This position centers around developing and optimizing 3D culture systems for human iPSCs and organoids in combination with engineered scaffolds. You will be responsible for setting up cell culture protocols, performing biological assays, and working closely with materials scientists to integrate cells into biofabricated environments for organoid development and disease modeling.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Establishing and maintaining iPSC cultures under defined conditions.
- Developing new biological assays and 3D cell culture systems.
- Characterizing organoids using imaging, omics, and functional assays.
- Collaborating on the integration of biological and engineering components.
Who we’re looking for:
- A PhD in stem cell biology, biomedical sciences, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated expertise in iPSC culture, maintenance, and differentiation.
- Familiarity with 3D cell culture, omics analysis, and cell–material interaction studies.
- Experience working with biomaterials is a strong advantage.
- Excellent command of scientific English (spoken and written).
Our Technology Platform
CTR researchers benefit from a broad and sophisticated toolkit for tissue engineering, including:
- 3D printing and bioprinting technologies, including fiber deposition and digital light processing.
- Advanced electrospinning for producing ECM-mimetic fibrous scaffolds.
- Hydrogel development and custom biomaterial formulations.
- Lithographic fabrication for creating multiscale 3D substrates (e.g., nanoimprint, X-ray lithography).
- Micro- and nanoscaffold engineering for bottom-up tissue assembly.
- Scaffold-free bioassembly, including self-organizing organoid and spheroid systems.
You will be immersed in a highly interdisciplinary environment where collaboration across disciplines is the norm.
What we offer
As a Postdoc 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 from € 3,897 gross per month, and will be higher subjected to the candidate’s experience since PhD defense. (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, and can be extended for an additional 2 to 3 years, after a yearly evaluation.
- 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
Research in the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine focuses on the development of new and challenging technologies for the repair of damaged organs and tissues.
Within MERLN, the CTR department (https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departmentsand-groups/ctr-department) focuses on advanced macro, micro and nanobiofabrication technologies developed and combined with fundamental knowledge of (developmental) biology to design and engineer complex tissues and organs. Potential applications of such constructs are in stem cell research, tissue regeneration, developmental biology, pharmaceutical or toxicological screening, and bioartificial organs.
Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Prof. Dr. Lorenzo Moroni via l.moroni@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.
Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoc? Apply now, no later than 17th August 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.