​The postdoctoral researcher will perform cutting-edge research in methods applied to the development of 3D in vitro models, and more specifically on bioprinting approaches for the creation of renal models. Postdoctoral researcher will perform their research in an intellectually vibrant and multi-disciplinary environment.

Key expertise

• Experience with pluripotent stem cells culture and differentiation;
• Experience with 3D cell culture and in vitro models;
• Experience with Bioprinting, bioinks preparation and characterization;
• Experience with microscopy, image processing and analysis;
• Knowledge of polymer synthesis, polymer characterization, or organic chemistry laboratory skills.

What we offer

• Position in a research institute with cutting-edge biofabrication technologies such as bioprinting additive manufacturing and electrospinning.
• Interdisciplinary position and environment within MERLN.

Requirements

• PhD degree with experience in one or more of the relevant fields (e.g. Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biofabrication, Chemistry, Biomaterial Science, Biotechnology, or equivalent title);
• Strong scientific background and publication record;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as in a team;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory;
• Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year, plus possibility to extent with 2 years.

The position is temporary for the duration of 3 years (1 year, plus possibility to extent with 2 years after evaluation on end of first year).

The salary is likely to be set in salary scale 10 of the CAO NU, with a minimum gross month salary of € 2.790,00 and a maximum gross monthly salary of € 4.402,00 (depending on experience and qualification). 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). Furthermore, local UM provisions also apply. For more information look at the website http://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.

The MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired Regenerative Medicine (https://merlninstitute.com/) focuses on developing novel and challenging technologies to advance the field of tissue and organ repair and regeneration through, amongst others, the development of high-throughput material platforms to screen cell-biomaterial interactions. MERLN consists of an interdisciplinary team of researchers including fields as (stem cell) biology, materials engineering, chemistry, micro/nanofabrication, additive manufacturing, etc. The scientists at MERLN have an extensive network of collaborators within research institutions in and outside the Netherlands as well as with a number of biomedical companies, including their own spin-off companies, as entrepreneurship is highly fostered.

Maastricht is the southernmost city in the Netherlands, and is the capital of the province of Limburg. Situated on the Maas river, within walking distance of Belgium and cycling distance of Germany, it claims to be the oldest city in the Netherlands (a claim it shares with Nijmegen). A great place to spend some time, it contains some magnificent buildings and culture, taking the form of plenty of old houses and buildings, lovely cathedrals and a spectacularly cobblestoned town centre. The city is also well known for its fine cuisine, excellent shops and multicultural atmosphere.