In this project we aim to develop and apply novel multi-wavelength SPR (Bionavis) methodologies to study the binding kinetics of proteins and cells to new classes of biomaterials.  These biomedical materials are of growing interest in a variety of medical applications especially in the field of regenerative medicine but also as models in fundamental research; however, their analysis remains difficult.

We are looking for a fully dedicated technician to work on this project for 2 years, activities will include familiarisation with Bionavis SPR, biomaterial sample preparation and design of SPR methods to study two classes of (dynamic) biomaterials.

This research is embedded within the Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (MERLN), in close collaboration with the Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging Institute (M4I). Within this project we also collaborate with external companies in the fields of biomedical materials and advanced drug delivery systems. The project is funded by the Topsector Chemistry, via the TKI  funds.

We invite candidates with a bachelor (HBO or WO) degree in  (Polymer) Chemistry, Analytical Sciences, Technical Physics, Instrument engineering or related degree. Experience in micro technologies such as surface plasmon resonance and mass spectrometry will be preferred. Some years of working experience within a R&D minded laboratory will be positively evaluated.

We are looking for a new colleague:

• with a clear interest in molecular kinetics and interactions, analytical method development and instrumental methodologies.
• who can work in a multidisciplinary team, is eager to learn and can combine knowledge from different disciplines.
• who has a good set of organizational skills, is able to work independently and has a pro-active attitude in designing new experitments.
• who has the capacity to overview and unravel problems/challenges and define possible approach to mitigate these.
• with a strong interest in fundamental (OA) research

Fixed-term contract: 2 years.

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 > Support > UM employees

The position is temporary for a duration of 2 years. 

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 18,000 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

MERLN Institute

The technician will be embedded in the Institutes of MERLN and M4I.

The MERLN institute strives to maintain a leading position in the field of biomedical engineering by combining creative research with training an interdisciplinary generation of scientists. MERLN’s activities operate at the interface of biology and engineering and aim to maximise outreach at the level of public involvement, development, and the commercialisation of research. Research at MERLN is focused on developing novel and breakthrough technologies to advance the field of repair and regeneration of both tissues and functional organs. The strategy includes, amongst others, the development of “smart” biomaterials which can trigger intrinsic tissue repair mechanisms mediated by the patient’s own cells.

The M4I Institute is a state-of-the art molecular imaging institute. The mission of the institute and collaboration is to perform fundamental, instrumentation and applied studies in molecular imaging as a part of a translational, synergistic, interdisciplinary research program. The institute is embedded in the faculty of health, medicine and life sciences of the UM. The research group is one of the world leaders in high resolution molecular imaging of biological surfaces, and targets the development and application of state-of-the-art mass spectrometry based molecular imaging infrastructure for nanomedicine and biomedical research.