Job Description
Are you a visionary Master’s graduate driven by an unwavering passion for developing regenerative medicine technologies and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of biomimetic biomaterials and bone regeneration? We are currently seeking an exceptional PhD candidate to join our team on “Developing bone matrix-mimetic biomaterials for treating degenerative spinal disorders” in the Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration of the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University, and as part of the ‘BioFusion - Biomimetic spine fusion implants for back pain’ consortium.

Project description
The PhD candidate will be part of the ‘BioFusion’ Dutch-Brazilian research program. ‘BioFusion’ is a collaborative research program between various universities in the Netherlands and Brazil (https://www.nwo.nl/en/news/five-brazilian-dutch-consortia-awarded-to-research-engineered-biomaterials-for-healthcare-applications). The project aims to address intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, which is a leading cause of back pain and results in a great burden on the society. Current IVD degeneration treatments for relieving the pain include surgical fusion using metal/polymer cages, which are not always successful and may result in delayed/insufficient bone regeneration and fusion. The BioFusion project aims to develop an alternative solution by 3D printing a 3D porous bioactive cage for spinal fusion using osteoinductive bioceramic biomaterials. The resulting product will present both the osteoinductivity and the mechanical properties required for this application and mitigate the chronic inflammation. The aim of this PhD project is to develop calcium phosphate bioceramic-based biomaterials with osteoinductive properties and load-bearing capabilities that are suitable for 3D printing of the spinal cage.

As a PhD candidate within this project, you will participate in the development of the base biomaterials and bioinks for fabrication of the BioFusion spinal cage, as well as in the physicochemical characterization and pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo assessments of the biomimetic biomaterials and the spinal cage. In addition, you will actively collaborate with different partners of the consortium and are expected to spend parts of your PhD time in the partner institutes in the Netherlands and Brazil.

MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine
You will perform this research under the supervision of Dr. Niloofar Tahmasebi Birgani, Prof. Pamela Habibovic, 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 across the globe and 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.

Why Join Us?
Within this position, you will:

• Pioneer groundbreaking research in the development of biomimetic biomaterials with advanced biological and mechanical properties and the next generation of bioactive spinal cages.
• Be part of a cross-continental consortium and collaborate with a diverse team of experts, where excellence, creativity, and scientific passion are celebrated.
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and resources for your research.

If you are a Master's graduate with an interest in biomimetic and bioactive biomaterials, bioceramics, bone regeneration and developing treatments for degenerative spinal disorders, and aspire to be at the forefront of scientific innovation, we invite you to apply. Within this project, you will mainly focus on:

• Synthesis of calcium phosphate-based biomaterials with osteoinductive properties and load-bearing capability.
• In-depth characterization of physicochemical and mechanical properties of the biomaterials.
• Development of calcium phosphate-based inks suitable for 3D printing of the spinal cage.
• Seamless collaboration and teamwork within the BioFusion consortium, and fulfilling the required secondments in Dutch and Brazilian partner institutes.
• Writing and publishing high-impact scientific papers, and communicating your research in international scientific conferences.

Qualifications

• You have a Master's degree in Biomaterials, Bioengineering, Biomedical engineering, Tissue Engineering, Regenerative Medicine, or Biomedical sciences. Candidates from other disciplines such as Chemical Engineering or Materials Engineering who have proven knowledge/experience or have a minor in Biomaterials are also welcome to apply.
• You have an outstanding academic background, ranking in the top percentages of your academic cohort.
• You have in-depth knowledge in the fields of biomaterials (particularly bioactive materials, biomaterials for bone regeneration, and bioceramics, such as calcium phosphates), materials science and engineering, and bone tissue engineering.
• You have hands-on experience in synthesis, processing, and characterization of biomaterials, particularly bioceramics, such as calcium phosphates.
• You have hands-on experience in culture and biological assessment of some of the following cell types: human stem cells, differentiated primary cells (e.g., osteoblasts, osteoclasts, endothelial cells) and macrophages.
• You also have experience with molecular biology techniques and biological assessment of biomaterials.
• Experience with developing 3D printing inks and 3D printing of scaffolds is a plus.
• You have a strong affinity for working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• You have a strong ability to work as an independent and responsible researcher, demonstrating maturity in your approach to fulfilling your tasks.
• You have experience in scientific writing and communication. A track record of peer-reviewed scientific papers is a major plus.
• You are motivated to contribute to teaching tasks.

What we offer
As PhD in developing bone matrix-mimetic biomaterials for treating degenerative spinal disorders 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 PhD, with corresponding salary based on experience ranging from €2872,00 and €3670,00 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.

Curious?
Are you interested in this exciting position but still have questions? Feel free to contact Dr. Niloofar Tahmasebi Birgani at z.tahmasebibirgani@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD in developing bone matrix-mimetic biomaterials for treating degenerative spinal disorders? Apply now, no later than August 31, for this position.

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 and Master diplomas and transcripts
• A summary of your Master thesis (maximum 0.5 page)
• Names and contacts of at least two references

Within two weeks after 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 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.

We look forward to welcoming an enthusiastic and dedicated PhD candidate with knowledge on biomimetic biomaterials and microtissue engineering to our team!