A PhD position is available within the ERC Starting “OviChip” Project, which has the overall aim to develop a 3D in vitro model of a human Fallopian Tube (an “on chip” model) and study it’s function and dysfunction.

Description
The fallopian tube, otherwise known as the oviduct, is a critical structure within the female productive tract, directing the early stages of oocyte migration and directing the final leg of sperm cell migration. It also serves as the site for oocyte fertilization and early embryo development.

The PhD student will engage in the application and further development of a 3D in vitro model of the oviduct, both a mouse and human model system. Aspects of fertility will be studied, specifically how sperm cell behaviour within the model system is affected by changes to the tissue microenvironment. A wide range of skills will be needed for this project, including organoid cell culture, sperm cell isolation, and cell characterization. Technical activities will also be performed, including the fabrication of 3D in vitro environments and fluidic culture devices and the implementation of fluid flow within the in vitro system to mimic conditions in native tissue. Various biochemical and molecular assays will be required to monitor cell response, as well as the investigation and and application of novel (multiphoton) microscopy methodologies to visualize in real-time dynamic cell behaviour within 3D cell culture platforms.

The candidate is also expected to collaborate with and be supported by other team members of the project, which additionally involves the application of this model to investigate embryo development as well as ongoing work to establish the impact of tubal pathologies (e.g. Chlamydia) on embryo development.

Research Environment
Research at CTR is driven by technology development for the fabrication and assessment of biological constructs. The resources and technologies at the department for these activities include:

• Additive manufacturing technologies for building functional 3D scaffolds, such as 3D fiber deposition, bioprinting, and digital light processing;
• Engineering of artificial cellular microenvironments and of in vitro 3D tissue and organ analogues by new biomaterial formulations (e.g. hydrogels);
• Fluidic organ-on-chip technologies, including fluidic chip design, fabrication, assembly and the design and implementation of perfusion systems
• Advanced microscopy, including multiphoton, confocal, and widefield fluorescence microscopy with advanced capabilities regarding automatic live cell imaging, real-time image analysis and adaptive acquisition
• A wide range of biochemical, protein, and genomic assays and tools for analysis and modification of cell behaviour. This includes, but is not limited to, RT-PCR, Western blot, metabolic assays, plasmid development and reporter cell line generation.

Requirements
Candidates for the PhD position in the field of sperm cell migratrion in a 3D in vitro oviduct model (PhD 1) should have a M.Sc. degree in either biofabrication, regenerative medicine, biomedical sciences, or applied biology, with already proven experience in cell culture, in particular in 3D culture systems (e.g. hydrogels, microfluidics). Past experience that combines cell culture with fluid flow and characterization cell response to fluid shear will be a strong addition. Excellent and proven knowledge of scientific English, both in speaking, reading, and writing is required. The candidates will have a proven outstanding record to be part of an exceptionally skilled team that is being assembled thanks to recent European funding secured by the department. The work will suit highly ambitious candidates, who like to solve problems, and are at ease with timely deadlines, who like a fast-paced, but friendly and collaborative international environment with new challenges and opportunities for growth. The candidates are expected to disseminate the results through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.

What we offer
As PhD position in the field of sperm cell migration within a 3D in vitro oviduct model 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 P according to UFO profile Promovendus, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2770,00 and €3539,00 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 12 months with a scope of 1,0 FTE. Upon a positive evaluation, an extension of 3 years will follow.
• 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.

Department
Research in the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine focuses on the development of new and challenging technologies for the repair of damaged organs and tissues. Within MERLN, the CTR department (https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departments-and-groups/ctr-department) has particular emphasis on advanced macro, micro and nanobiofabrication technologies developed and combined with fundamental knowledge of (developmental) biology to design and engineer complex tissues and organs. Potential applications of such constructs are in stem cell research, tissue regeneration, developmental biology, and complex 3D in vitro models for pharmaceutical or toxicological screening

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Paul Wieringa via p.wieringa@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD position in the field of sperm cell migration within a 3D in vitro oviduct model? Apply now, no later than May 15, 2024 for this position.
The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

Applications should consist of:

• a motivation letter;
• a CV (including referees that could be contacted);
• and a “Project Assessment” (1 page maximum) that describes your understanding of the project (i.e. key objectives, tasks, additional ideas), how you would apply your existing knowledge to the project, and what new skills or knowledge you hope to learn to complete the project successfully.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.