Research within the Sensor Engineering research group of Maastricht University is focused on developing innovative sensor technologies for implementation in diverse fields ranging from medical diagnostics to food safety assessment. For this position we are looking for a motivated PhD with a strong background in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, material science or biochemistry. The candidate will work in a multicultural, interdisciplinary team consisting of engineers, chemists and biomedical scientists. The research group has developed extensive expertise in combining sensor technology with chemistry and biomedical engineering to acquire knowledge and streamline applications for use in real life settings.

The Sensor Engineering research group has therefore focused much of its research efforst into the development of so-called molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for incorporation into biomimetic sensing platforms. Within this research line, Sensor Engineering has recently acquired funding through the Interreg Va Euregion Meuse-Rhine scheme. Industrial partners from within the consortium will define a set of low-molecular weight compounds that they wish to detect in their food products (e.g. quantification of beta carotene in carrot juice). The candidate will design and synthesize MIPs for these targets and incorporate them into the colorimetric assay technology recently developed within the group. Engineering partners from other universities will develop a handheld readout tool to detect the compounds on-site. The PhD candidate should therefore also have an affinity for or an interest in device engineering as communication with engineers will be essential throughout the project.

Applications are invited for a 1.0 FT PhD position. Potential candidates will work in a young, ambitious team consisting of researchers trained in various scientific disciplines. This stimulating, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment requires a candidate that has outstanding knowledge of scientific English both in speaking and in writing. The candidate should have a master degree in chemistry (organic chemistry, polymer chemistry,…), materials science or equivalent. A valid driver’s license is a pre as the research projects are part of a cross-border collaboration. 

Fixed-term contract: A PhD appointment lasts four years (first year + three years after receiving a positive evaluation).

We offer a four-year fulltime, fully-funded PhD position at the Faculty of Science and Engineering. PhD researchers participate in the Maastricht University Graduate School of Science and Engineering. The salary will be set according to the salary scale of the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities and will vary between €2395 and €3061. 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 Labor Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO). Employees relocating from abroad may be eligible for the Dutch ‘30% ruling’, a tax advantage which results in a significantly higher net salary. Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website www.maastrichtuniversity.nl > Support > UM employees

Maastricht University

http://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/

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.

Sensor Engineering Research Group

Research at the Sensor Engineering research group is very diverse given the interdisciplinary nature of biosensor research and combines chemistry with physics, biology and engineering. Within the group, we focus on the development of novel sensor technologies that could contribute to significant advancements in diverse fields in healthcare as well as the industry.