Job Description
Are you a forward-thinking researcher with a passion for pushing the boundaries of technological innovation in the realm of biomaterials and tissue engineering? We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Researcher from the field of automation engineering to lead our efforts in developing cutting-edge automated technological tools for engineering micro-scale biomaterials and human tissues, as part of the LINK2.0 (Limburg Invests in Its Knowledge Economy) project within MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine.

Why Join Us?
Within this position, you will:

• Lead innovative research in the development of automated technological tools to produce advanced microbiomaterials and microtissues;
• Collaborate with a diverse team of experts who share your passion for cutting-edge engineering solutions and biomaterials;
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and resources for your research.

If you are a technically oriented researcher who thrives on engineering platforms and innovations,
have knowledge in process automation and computer numerical control (CNC), particularly in the field
of material processing, and are interested in an interdisciplinary topic at the interface of automation
engineering/mechatronics, materials engineering, precision fabrication and regenerative medicine, we
encourage you to apply. Your key responsibilities within this position are:

• Technological innovation in automated processing of (bio)materials: You will lead the invention, optimization and operation of high-throughput, precision tools for automated production of designer microparticles and other forms of micro-scale biomaterials. You will continuously enhance and optimize these engineered platforms, and focus on automation of these tools.
• Automation of tissue fabrication: You will implement the integration of micro-scale biomaterials into biological setting using an automated cell and tissue culture, manipulation and analysis pipeline, in collaboration with the rest of the team.
• Micromaterial fabrication and characterization: You will leverage your technical background and knowledge of materials to create micro-scale biomaterials with advanced chemical and structural properties and to thoroughly characterize the properties of the biomaterials.
• Collaborative teamwork: You will collaborate seamlessly within our multidisciplinary team, contributing your technical expertise to other projects.
• Scientific communication and research impact: You will write and publish high-impact scientific papers showcasing your innovative technological solutions.

Job Requirements

• You have a Master's degree in Mechatronics, Automation Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Candidates from other disciplines such as Industrial Engineering, Process Technologies and (Bio)Materials Science and engineering who have minored in Automation Engineering or Mechatronics, or have proven knowledge/experience in Mechatronics, Robotics and Process Automation are also welcome to apply.
• You have obtained your PhD in a topic related to Automation Engineering, Mechatronics, Process Automation, or Robotics, or in automated biomaterial or tissue fabrication.
• You have exceptional technical skills and a strong technical background particularly in design, assembly and operation of automated tools or process automation (for example for materials development), and CNC-based technologies.
• You have knowledge and experience in materials processing, fabrication and characterization.
• Prior experience with microfluidic systems (e.g., for particle production), microfabrication techniques (e.g., lithography, micromolding, etc.), biomaterials, biofabrication, biological systems, and material characterization techniques is very beneficial.
• Prior experience with data science and machine learning methodologies can be beneficial.
• You have a strong affinity towards working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• You have a strong ability to work as an independent and responsible researcher, demonstrating maturity in your approach to fulfilling your tasks.
• You have a strong track record of writing and publishing high-impact scientific papers.
• You have a strong command of the English language.

What we offer
As Postdoc Advanced Automated Technological Tools for Micromaterial and Microtissue Engineering 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 10 according to UFO profile Researcher, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €3345,00 and €5278,00 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 1 year 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.

MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine
The candidate will perform this research under the supervision of Dr. Niloofar Tahmasebi Birgani and Prof. Roman Truckenmüller at the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration of the MERLN Institute at Maastricht University. The MERLN Institute for Technology-inspired Regenerative Medicine focuses on developing novel and challenging technologies to advance the field of tissue and organ repair and regeneration. MERLN consists of an interdisciplinary team of researchers from various fields such 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. MERLN houses researchers from across the globe who have successfully navigated the transition of moving to the Netherlands.

Curious?
For more information, you can contact the project supervisors, Dr. Niloofar Tahmasebi Birgani (z.tahmasebibirgani@maastrichtuniversity.nl) or Prof. Roman Truckenmüller (r.truckenmuller@maastrichtuniversity.nl). We look forward to welcoming a dedicated and technically proficient researcher to our team!

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Postdoctoral researcher? Apply now, no later than August 31, for this position.

Within two weeks of the application deadline, the candidates shortlisted for the first interview round will be contacted. The first round of interviews will take place online. The candidates proceeding to the second interview round will be invited to attend an in-person or an online interview. The duration of the project is 2 years. The successful candidate will be initially appointed for 1 year. However, in case of excellent performance and good progress in the project, the appointment will be extended for one more year.

To apply please submit the following documents.

• Your CV
• A cover letter describing your motivations for joining our team and your expertise relevant for the project
• Copies of your Bachelor, Master and PhD diplomas and transcripts
• A summary of your PhD research (maximum 1 page)
• Names and contacts of at least two reference

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.