At the Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering of the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University, we are currently looking for candidates interested in working on stem cell-based microfluidic in vitro systems to model early embryonic development.

The dialogue between the mammalian embryo and the maternal tissues of the uterus is playing a crucial role in determining the success of implantation in vivo. Translating this poorly understood process into an in vitro model with a fully controlled microenvironment will enable us to further dissect the underlying mechanisms in unprecedented detail. New stem cell-based mouse and human embryo models, such as blastoids, and various endometrium-on-chip systems have been published in the last couple of years. Together with innovative organoid culture techniques and new protocols to establish extended pluripotent stem cells, some key events could already be unlocked in vitro. In this project, we will design and fabricate customized microfluidic systems based on our long-term experience and proprietary technology in the field of microfluidic 3D in vitro models in order to further elucidate the process of implantation and post-implantation development. The design of these systems will be challenged by the requirement to be compatible with high-res and live cell imaging as many of our envisioned assays (e.g. single cell tracking, fate mapping) will be based on microscopy. The systems have to further support the spatiotemporally controlled exposure of cells to shear forces and signaling molecules as well as the dynamic increase/depletion of soluble environmental factors potentially affecting implantation by flow. Embedded within a highly interdisciplinary team and in collaboration with clinicians, this position will be responsible for the design, fabrication and thorough (biological) characterization of the next-generation in vitro implantation model.

Your profile:
You should hold an MSc degree in bio(medical) engineering, stem cell/molecular/developmental biology, or in engineering with a corresponding major, and hold or about to obtain a PhD degree in (bio)microfluidics, bioengineering or similar. Strong interest, sound knowledge and hands-on experience in computer-aided design (CAD), polymer microfabrication and the layout, fabrication, operation and characterization of microfluidic systems or organ-on-chip devices are essential for the project. Having already worked in a micro-/nanofabrication clean room environment and familiarity with stem cell culture and/or 3D cell culture models is a plus. Good command of scientific English in terms of listening, speaking, reading and writing is indispensable. Experience with writing high-impact scientific papers must be demonstrated.

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

We offer an interdisciplinary and collaborative postdoc project embedded into a highly international institute, which is one of the worldwide leading research institutions in the tissue regeneration field. Our modern laboratories include labs for biomaterials synthesis and characterization, biofabrication/‑printing, micro-/nanofabrication, microfluidics, cell culture, histology, molecular biology, imaging/microscopy, all provided with latest state-of-the-art equipment.

We offer a full-time temporary contract for a period of 2 years.

Depending on experience and qualification, the gross monthly salary is scale 10 (max. € 4.402,-).

The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees.

Maastricht University

Maastricht University is renowned for its unique, innovative, problem-based learning system, which is characterized by a small-scale and student-oriented approach. Research at UM is characterized by a multidisciplinary and thematic approach, and is concentrated in research institutes and schools. Maastricht University has around 20,000 students and 4,700 employees. Reflecting the university's strong international profile, a fair amount of both students and staff are from abroad. The university hosts 6 faculties: Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Faculty of Law, School of Business and Economics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience. 
For more information, please visit: www.maastrichtuniversity.nl.

MERLN Institute

This research is embedded in the Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE) at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, which is part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of UM. The research at MERLN (https://merlninstitute.com/) focuses on the development of innovative and breakthrough technologies to advance the field of functional repair and regeneration of tissues and organs. The research at IBE (https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departments-and-groups/ibe-department) is focused on the development of smart biomaterials for regenerative medicine.