We are seeking a laboratory technician to strengthen our biomaterials team at the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine. This person would be responsible for chemical training and safety in the lab, and a mix of chemical synthesis and material characterization techniques. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting our research projects by conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the development of novel biomaterials for regenerative medicine applications. MERLN is an interdisciplinary institute interfacing fundamental science and technology with living systems. Do you like the idea of a versatile role using your chemical expertise in a broader environment? Love chemistry and always wondered how it can impact the future of medicine? If so come join our team!

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform chemical reactions and synthesize materials according to established protocols.
• Conduct chemical and physical analyses of materials, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and mechanical testing.
• Prepare and characterize biomaterials, including hydrogels, scaffolds, and nanoparticles.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a safe and organized working environment.
• Participate in the training and supervision of junior laboratory members.
• Collaborate with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments.
• Collect and analyze experimental data, prepare reports, and contribute to research publications.
• Lab management. Keeping an updated chemical inventory as well as completing relevant risk assessments.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's (WO or HBO) or Master's degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Proficiency in chemical synthesis and analysis.
• Strong laboratory skills and experience with molecular and materials characterization techniques.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols and good laboratory practices.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (English is the working language of the institute).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Enthusiasm for research in regenerative medicine and biomaterials, be self-motivated, solution-orientated and proactive.

Prefered Qualifications:

• Prior experience managing a research laboratory.
• Knowledge of chemical applications in biomedical concepts.
• Experience working in working in a highly-collaborative environment.
• Be familiar with material characterization techniques such as, but not limited to: FTIR/Mass Spectroscopy /Rheology as well as sample preparation.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects in regenerative medicine.
• Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.

What we offer

As a Laboratory Technician 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 7 - 8 according to UFO profile Education-/ Research Office, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2870,00 and €4255,00 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 3 years with a scope of 1.0 FTE.
• 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'. click here.

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,

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/MERLN
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.

Situated at Maastricht University, the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine was founded in 2014 and operates at the interface between biology and engineering for the purpose of regenerating diseased or damaged tissues. The institute has an international reputation for technological innovation and for translating research findings into clinical solutions for patients. The institute employs more than 130 scientists including support personnel working in state-of-the-art facilities that were rebuilt and furnished with new equipment approximately 4 years ago. MERLN scientists have a diverse expertise and research interests including for example in biomaterials, cell biology, tissue engineering, biofabrication, microfabrication, nanotechnology , bioinformatics and computational modelling. MERLN benefits from close collaboration with an academic hospital, the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Merln scientists are leaders in the field of biomaterials, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine and translational research.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact the following for more information:

• Lorenzo Moroni (l.moroni@maastrichtuniversity.nl)
• Sabine van Rijt (s.vanrijt@maastrichtuniversity.nl)
• Eva Gubbins (e.gubbins@maastrichtuniversity.nl)

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new Laboratory Technician? Apply now, no later than 20 October, for this position.

Please submit a cover letter highlighting your qualifications and motvation, an updated CV/resume, and contact info for two professional references.

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

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.