In the past, microfluidic systems have proven to be potent tools to culture and study 3D cell clusters. Microfluidic systems can help to sort cells, aggregate cells, expose cells to short pulses of signaling molecules, create gradients of growth factors and supply cells with sufficient nutrients and gases. However, the outcome of stem cell differentiation, e.g. the formation of stem cell-derived organoids in a directed differentiation approach, is highly dependent on the ability to control the microenvironment of cells. Any random, unintentional fluctuations or changes of environmental factors can lead to a higher percentage of off-target cells and will cause a high heterogeneity in the resulting cell culture. Currently, this heterogeneity negatively affects the use of such models in highthroughput and clinical applications. In this project, we are aiming to overcome the limitations of current stem cell culture systems and to develop customized microfluidic systems, e.g. using multiphase microfluidics, that facilitate an improved guidance of stem cells in vitro. We are also interested in creating confined microfluidic on-chip compartments which allow us to perturb and eventually control the spatiotemporal cellular organization and cell patterning, e.g. in organoid systems. In a team together with cell biologists and bioengineers, new microfluidic systems will be designed (including computational modelling), fabricated and thoroughly characterized in the MERLN clean room facilities. The design of these systems has to be compatible with high-resolution and live cell imaging techniques as many of our current biological assays (e.g. single cell tracking, fate mapping) are based on imaging. The microfluidic systems have to support the spatiotemporally controlled exposure of cells to signaling molecules and shear forces and enable dynamic control of soluble environmental factors potentially affecting differentiation, migration, polarization and selforganization.

Embedded within a highly interdisciplinary team of engineers, bioengineers and biologists, the candidate will be responsible for the development of innovative (bio-)microfluidic systems to study and control stem cell self-organization and their seamless integration into our biological and imaging workflow.

Your profile:
The candidate should hold an MSc degree in engineering, bioengineering, physics or similar and a PhD degree in (bio)microfluidics, biophysics, 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 (multiphase) microfluidic systems or organon-chip devices are essential for the project. Having already worked in a micro-/nanofabrication clean room environment, familiarity with stem cell culture and/or 3D cell culture models and having experience with confocal or light sheet imaging 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 at a highly international institute, which is one of the worldwide leading research institutes in the field of tissue regeneration. 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. € 4.490,- of the Dutch university collective bargaining agreement).

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 www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > About UM > Working at UM.

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, 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.