We seek an enthusiastic postdoctoral researcher with an internationally excellent research track record to develop and characterize microfluidic systems for dynamic organoid cultures. The candidate will engage in research related to discovering and engineering platforms for the differentiation and patterning of various organoid systems, such as kidney and intestinal organoids as well as stem cellderived embryo models.

Stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells, demonstrate an impressive self-organizing capacity when cultured in a three-dimensional (3D) context. Their capability to form complex organlike/organism-like structures holds the potential to mimic organogenesis and embryonic development in vitro. Although their potential is undisputed, current organoids typically only partly represent natural tissue architecture, still lack maturity, and are generally characterized by a high heterogeneity.

To develop more advanced protocols for a reliable formation, regionalisation and patterning of organoids, we are looking for a motivated candidate with a solid background in microfluidics and bioengineering who is interested in multidisciplinary research. The development and establishment of new techniques and protocols will take advantage of versatile technologies and equipment exclusively developed in our research group. The fully funded 2-year postdoc position will be embedded in a multidisciplinary team consisting of biologists, chemists, and bioengineers.

The project primarily aims at controlling organoid formation from 3D pluripotent stem cells to better understand cell-cell communication and the role of signalling centres during tissue patterning and how tissue boundaries can be constituted and maintained on a long-term basis in vitro. It also aims to explore new analytical/imaging techniques to study collective cell behaviour and to develop new organoid engineering strategies to manipulate organoid architectures on a single- and multi-cell level. The candidate will employ advanced nano-/microengioneering to develop next-generation microbioreactors/microfluidic chips for a spatiotemporally controlled dynamic culture of organoids to further elucidate and control mechanisms of de novo pattern formation. Embedded in the international and multidisciplinary research infrastructure of our MERLN institute, the candidate will also apply cutting-edge time-lapse microscopy (light-sheet microscopy), high-throughput screening and biomolecular techniques (e.g. spatial transcriptomics) as a methodological toolbox to characterize the choreography of cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, e.g. by means of 3D cell tracking and fate mapping techniques.

We are looking for a proactive, creative thinker who is interested to work on a challenging project at the interface of engineering and biology. The highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project will suit an ambitious and passionate candidate who likes a fast-paced environment. Excellent knowledge of scientific English for listening, speaking, reading, and writing are required as it is our working language. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Candidates applying for the postdoc position who do not yet possess a PhD, but are expected to finish their thesis shortly, are welcome to apply, but should clarify the timeline for completion in their cover letter.

As postdoctoral fellow 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 Onderzoeker, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3226,00 and €5090,00 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 24 months with a scope of 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.

The successful candidate will join the “Morphogenetic Micro Engineering” laboratory of Dr. Stefan Giselbrecht in the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University (https://merlninstitute.com/merln/morphogenetic-micro-engineering). Working at MERLN means you will join an international network of researchers from ~25 nationalities spanning multiple disciplines. We are a collaborative and interdisciplinary group with diverse expertise, including biomaterials, chemistry, tissue engineering, microfabrication, and cell biology. We work in newly renovated laboratory facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. We have a long history as leaders in the field of tissue engineering and are particularly well-known for our orientation towards translational research.