PhD position for the creation of dynamic supramolecular hydrogels and bioinks to modulate cell behaviour for tissue engineering.

Job Description

Keywords: biomaterials, synthetic ECM, tissue patterning, dynamic and responsive materials, cell-culture, biofabrication.

We seek an enthusiastic PhD researcher with an excellent record of accomplishment to develop and test novel supramolecular biomaterials for creating responsive and dynamic bioinks in tissue engineering application. The candidate will engage in research related to the formulation and use of supramolecular and dynamic hydrogels as printable and patternable materials for cell culture, focusing on vascular and osteochondral application. This position is part of a team focusing on applying such hydrogel systems to the creation of controllable 3D environments for tissue engineering on applications from vascularization and osteochondral regeneration, to the creation of living materials with a bacterial/yeast component.

Hydrogel biomaterials have incredible potential for recreating life-like materials to interface with living cells, yet introducing controllable dynamics to the system to control cell fate remains a significant challenge. In addition to fundamental questions (what ranges of dynamics do cells care about), there remain practical questions as to how patterning or shear thinning of hydrogels can improve tissue models and enable therapeutic applications. We are exploring how to tune the dynamics and assembly of supramolecular hydrogels by combining covalent bond formation along with supramolecular assembly. Currently, we have shown significant breakthroughs in the ability to reinforce supramolecular hydrogels to create tough materials and bioinks that allow the 3D fabrication of life-like tissue constructs in a cell-friendly manner. We are looking to build upon these initial findings to create better dynamic hydrogel systems that can enable the control over tissue formation in space and time by combining chemical reactions with biofabrication tools.

Currently, the behaviour of cells in these new materials is poorly understood. Initial results show that cellular remodelling of these materials can take place, and that the toughness of the materials could be beneficial for osteochondral applications, yet we have little knowledge on how the materials properties can facilitate these biological outcomes. To address this gap in knowledge, we are looking for a motivated candidate with a solid background or affinity for synthetic biomateirals, hydrogels, or bioengineering who is interested in multidisciplinary research. This work will be a close collaboration within the framework of an ERC Consolidator project (SupraValent), but also within a multidisciplinary team (BioMatt Group) and institute. We aim to build upon our previous expertise in polymer chemistry and biomaterials for dynamic biomaterials, and push some of our concepts towards showing the control of cell/tissue formation in 3D space and time. The fully funded 4-year PhD position will be embedded in a lab comprising a multidisciplinary team consisting of biologists, chemists, and bioengineers.

Key references:

• Laura Rijns, Matthew B Baker, Patricia YW Dankers. Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2024, 146, 17539. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c02980
• Shahzad Hafeez, Monize Caiado Decarli, Agustina Aldana, Mahsa Ebrahimi, Floor AA Ruiter, Hans Duimel, Clemens van Blitterswijk, Louis M Pitet, Lorenzo Moroni, Matthew B Baker. Advanced Materials, 2023, 35, 2301242. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202301242
• Floor AA Ruiter, Francis LC Morgan, Nadia Roumans, Anika Schumacher, Gisela G Slaats, Lorenzo Moroni, VanessaLS LaPointe, Matthew B Baker. Advanced Science, 2022, 20, 2200543. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200543

Requirements
We are looking for a proactive, creative thinker who is interested to work on a challenging project at the interfaces of chemistry, biomaterials, and bioengineering. The highly collaborative and interdisciplinary project, rooted in biomaterials design, will suit an ambitious and passionate candidate who likes a fast-paced environment. Excellent knowledge of scientific English for listening, speaking, reading, and writing are required as it is our working language. Knowledge of Dutch is not required.

Candidates applying for the PhD position who do not yet possess a Master’s, are welcome to apply. This includes candidates from countries where a Master’s is not a pre-requisite for admittance into a PhD program (e.g. United States). These candidates should include a few lines in the cover letter as to their motivation and qualifications to pursue a PhD.

What we offer
As a PhD candidate at the 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 according to UFO profile PhD, with corresponding salary from € 2,872 in the first year and € 3,670 gross per month in the fourth year (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.

Applying from abroad?
MERLN houses researchers from across the globe who have successfully navigated the transition of moving to the Netherlands. Maastricht, where we are located, is itself a warm and welcoming city. The founding city of the EU is an international hub with inhabitants from around the world. English is widely spoken, which has helped create a unique and vibrant international community. Thanks to Maastricht’s central position in Europe, it is only a short drive or train trip away from Belgium, Germany, France and the rest of the Netherlands. The city is family-friendly and possesses an international school and several excellent primary schools.

Candidates who would need to relocate may be eligible for compensation. Employees relocating from abroad may be eligible for the Dutch ‘30% ruling’, a tax advantage which results in a significantly higher net salary. The terms of employment of Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) and local UM provisions also apply.

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. Matthew Baker m.baker@maastrichtuniversity.nl for more information.

Applying?
Or are you already convinced and ready to become our new PhD candidate? Apply now, no later than October 7th, 2024, for this position.

To apply, please submit:

• A cover letter including your motivation and your relevant experience
• A CV
• The names of two people who could provide a reference

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.