Postdoctoral and PhD candidates are invited to apply for competitive, fully-funded positions in bioengineering and islet transplantation research at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University (the Netherlands). At MERLN, we are committed to training the next generation of scientists in a state-of-the-art, hi-tech research environment that encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative research inspired by clinical need. 

Selected candidates will work on a project to develop an immunoprotective islet delivery device made of microfabricated biomaterials suitable for transplantation of islets and IPS cell derived beta cells. Funded by international initiative RegMed XB, this ambitious project aims to facilitate the development of a cure for type 1 diabetes, a chronic disease that affects the lives of millions worldwide. As such, the project has enormous potential for widespread societal impact and clinical application.

We are an interdisciplinary and collaborative group working in the field of Type 1 diabetes. Our work spans biomaterials science, tissue engineering, 3D printing, microfabrication, cell biology, cell culture, biochemical analyses, immunohistochemistry, and high-end microscopy. 

Working at MERLN means that you will join an international network of researchers of over 24 nationalities and spanning multiple disciplines. Our open, activity-based workspace allows for the dynamic and collaborative exchange of ideas, and enables you to work alongside colleagues from different working groups.

Your training beyond doing scientific research will encompass teaching activities, weekly symposia, skill trainings, and personal development activities. You will become familiar with a wide array of modern technologies and laboratory techniques from a range of different disciplines. You will have the opportunity to present your research to the institute on many occasions and receive feedback from colleagues. We heavily support grant writing and peer review and will help ambitious candidates in their personal development to establish themselves as an independent scientist.

Your profile: We are looking for new colleagues with outstanding research skills, motivation, enthusiasm, ambition, and team spirit. You should have a demonstrated affinity for bioengineering, should be a creative multidisciplinary thinker, and should be prepared to work on in vivo models. You have excellent communication skills. You are drawn to translational research and enjoy the challenge of tacking ambitious and challenging problems with your research. You are prepared to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Background and skills: Candidates with a background in biomedical engineering, or the biomedical sciences are particularly encouraged to apply. Candidates with different backgrounds who are looking for a new challenge and have an interest in type 1 diabetes are also welcome. Experience with animal studies is preferred but not required. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible to apply, don’t hesitate to send us an email.

Qualifications: Candidates applying for a PhD position should have completed a four-year undergraduate degree with significant research experience or should hold a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline. Candidates applying for the postdoc position should have obtained their PhD in a relevant discipline. Candidates who do not yet possess a PhD but are expected to finish their thesis shortly are welcome to apply for a Postdoc position, but should clarify the timeline for completion in their cover letter.

Language: Good command of the English language is essential, as it is the language used in the workplace. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Fixed-term contract: 1 + 3 years.

Salary is sett between €2.266 - €2.897 gross per month. On top of this, there is an 8% holiday and an 8.3% year-end allowance. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO), supplemented with local MU provisions. For more information, look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees

In case a Postdoc will take the position the contract will be for 3 years, with a yearly evelauation. Salary is sett between €2.640 - €4.166 gross per month, based on experience level and salary scale 10 of  the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities.

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 16,300 students and 4,300 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.

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

About MERLN

The successful candidate will join the laboratory of Dr. Aart van Apeldoorn in the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (merln.maastrichtuniversity.nl). The MERLN Institute is newly opened at Maastricht University. We are a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary group with diverse expertise, including biomaterials, chemistry, tissue engineering, and cell biology. We share newly renovated laboratory facilities with modern 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.

MERLN promotes an equal opportunity environment. Hence, we will consider every candidate and do not discriminate based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, or national or ethnic origin.