In this project, the candidate will work on a multidisciplinary project in collaboration with international collaborators. The goal is to develop a new sensor technology for the detection of PFAS molecules in environmental samples.

The PhD project is focused on the development of sensory platforms based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) for the detection of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). MIPs are the synthetic equivalent of antibodies, consisting of a highly crosslinked polymeric network with molecule-specific active/binding sites distributed throughout that are generated during the synthesis process. The manner in which this is achieved varies, though all routes lean on polymer formation around a desired molecular template accompanied by its later extraction. This process can be likened to molding dough around a key to capture its likeness, but on a molecular level. In the past, the SE department has successfully developed MIPs for glucose, pyocyanin, drugs of abuse and even some PFAS. This project therefore seeks to build on what we have previously attained, with the selected PhD student furthering our research in the field of PFAS detection.

The driving force behind this project is the increasing need for an easier means of PFAS recognition, with this class of compounds being known as “forever chemicals” as they are extremely persistent and may even lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, cancer, obesity and fertility issues. It is for this reason that the European Union is tightening restrictions regarding PFAS, and land development is a process that is increasingly scrutinized for the potential presence of these contaminants. It is therefore our aim to synthesize more sophisticated, reliable and sensitive MIPs for PFAS detection, with environmental analysis being the ultimate goal. The project seeks to develop sensing platforms that provide the rapid confirmation of PFAS contaminants, minimizing exposure and helping to identify environmental areas of concern.

Research within the Sensor Engineering research group at the Faculty of Science and Engineering 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 student with a master degree and a solid background in bio-, organic, polymer or analytical chemistry. 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.

As a PhD student your tasks include:

• Lead your own research project independently (although supervision by expert researchers will be provided)
• Study literature
• Develop research plan
• Experimentation and data processing
• Biofunctionalization of interfaces
• Optical and electrochemical transducers
• Scientific Dissemination: writing articles and participating in international conferences
• Contribute to the teaching activities of the department, mostly as a tutor or lab supervisor

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 communication skills and is flexible enough to quickly adapt to new surroundings. The ideal candidate is a team player with strongly developed analytical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities.

Furthermore, we are looking for a candidate with:

• Master Degree in chemistry or biochemistry (or equivalent)
• Strong interest in material science and interdisciplinary engineering
• At least B2-level English proficiency (or equivalent)
• Prior experience in molecular imprinting, interface or sensor engineering are a plus
• EU-valid driver’s license B is a plus

As PhD-candidate at Faculty of Science & Engineering, 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 PhD-candidate, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from € 2.770,00 and € 3.539,00 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 Science and Engineering

At the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE), we focus on themes such as circularity and sustainability, future farming, digitisation and (scientific) instrument development. FSE's leading projects, like the Einstein Telescope Pathfinder, are sure to grab anyone's attention. The faculty is a vibrant hub of education and research in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS). At FSE, over 450 staff members and 3700 students gather to explore e exciting interdisciplinary research and educational programmes. Feel welcome, be part of our team and put your brilliant mind to work!

FSE at the Brightlands Campuses
Maastricht, Sittard-Geleen, Heerlen, and Venlo, the home of four creative Brightlands campuses, are bustling with 30,000 entrepreneurs, researchers, and students working diligently to solve global challenges. The Faculty of Science and Engineering is active on all four Brightlands campuses, and this is where our impact reaches its peak. To give you an idea of what is happening at each campus: Sittard-Geleen is home to the largest chemical site in the Euregion, while Venlo is a large hub for agri-food innovation. Maastricht is the site of the Health Campus, and Heerlen is the place to be for Smart Services.