PhD Positions in Next-Generation In Vitro Models of Musculoskeletal Tissues & Interfaces

2 PhD Positions in Next-Generation In Vitro Models of Musculoskeletal Tissues Including Bone and Bone–Soft Tissue Interfaces

• Our goal: Advancing next-generation human in vitro models for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration.
• Your colleagues: An interdisciplinary team of researchers within the MERLN Institute, working at the interface of biology, engineering, and medicine.

We are seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates to join the MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine at Maastricht University. You will contribute to an ambitious interdisciplinary research program focused on advancing innovative strategies for musculoskeletal tissue regeneration, with a particular emphasis on bone and bone–soft tissue interfaces.

PhD Project 1. A Multicellular Organ-on-Chip Model to Investigate Inflammation Mechanisms in Tendon, Ligament, and Enthesis
Disorders of tendons, ligaments, and their interface with bone, i.e., entheses, are major contributors to chronic musculoskeletal pain. However, the mechanisms linking mechanical loading, inflammation, and pain signaling remain incompletely understood, partly due to the lack of physiologically relevant experimental models. This project aims to develop an advanced multicellular organ-on-chip platform that recapitulates the structural, cellular, and biomechanical microenvironment of tendon, ligament and their entheses. The system will enable controlled induction and monitoring of inflammatory processes and associated mechanisms, serving as a tool for mechanistic studies and preclinical therapeutic testing.

PhD Project 2. Engineering Multicellular 3D In Vitro Models to Elucidate Bone Regeneration Mechanisms
Large bone defects and non-unions remain significant clinical challenges, reflecting an incomplete understanding of the complex biological processes governing bone regeneration. Critical factors such as stem cell dynamics, inflammatory signaling and vascularization interact in a tightly regulated manner, and their crosstalk is further influenced by pathological conditions. This project focuses on the development of multicellular, miniaturized 3D in vitro bone models incorporating key components of the regenerative niche, including stem cell, immune and vascular niches, as well as engineered periosteal-like tissues. Using spheroids, organoids, and organ-on-chip technologies, the project aims to dissect cellular interactions during homeostasis and to identify mechanisms that initiate and regulate bone regeneration.

Your role
By joining these projects, you will contribute to the development of next-generation human 3D in vitro models. If you are a curious and analytical Master’s graduate with a background in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline, and you aspire to uncover how complex biological processes in the human body are regulated using cutting-edge, human-relevant tissue models, we encourage you to apply. Within these positions, you will:

• Pioneer innovative in vitro platforms for studying inflammation, stem cell migration, vascularization and regenerative processes in bone and bone–soft tissue interfaces.
• Characterize multicellular crosstalk and biological processes in musculoskeletal tissues using the developed systems.
• Access state-of-the-art facilities and resources for your research.
• Collaborate within a highly interdisciplinary team, where scientific excellence, creativity, and intellectual curiosity are actively fostered.
• Disseminate your findings through scientific publications and international conferences.

Your profile
It’s not about ticking boxes – it’s about who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• Strong academic foundation – You hold a Master’s degree in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Excellent academic performance – You have an excellent academic track record, ranking among the top performers of your cohort.
• Theoretical knowledge – You possess solid theoretical knowledge in tissue engineering, in vitro models of human organs and tissues, musculoskeletal biology, biomaterials and regenerative technologies.
• Hands-on research experience – You have hands-on experience in developing (3D) in vitro models such as organs-on-chips, spheroids or organoids.
• Technical versatility – Experience working with microfluidic systems and microfabrication, biomimetic biomaterials, relevant cell types (stem cells, musculoskeletal cells, endothelial cells, or immune cells), molecular and cellular analysis techniques, or bioimaging is considered a strong asset.
• Collaborative mindset – You are motivated to work in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment.
• Scientific independence – You demonstrate independence, responsibility, and scientific maturity in conducting research.
• Strong communication skills – You possess strong scientific communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to clearly present complex concepts to diverse academic audiences.

Do you want to push the boundaries of human in vitro modeling and transform how we study and uncover the mechanisms that drive the health, disease, and repair of musculoskeletal tissues? We look forward to receiving your application.

Marketing & Communications advisor

Marketing & Communications advisor met aandachtsgebieden Master Recruitment (0,6-0,8 fte) en Alumni communications (0,2 fte)

• Wat je gaat doen: Je bent de drijvende kracht achter het werven en voorlichten van studenten en het blijvend binden van alumni aan onze faculteit. Je draagt eraan bij dat het gewenste aantal masterstudenten kiest voor De Rechtenfaculteit van Maastricht, dat studenten er trots op zijn hier te studeren en graag blijven terugkomen voor postacademisch onderwijs, gastdocentschap en events. Met jouw expertise en ruime ervaring zet je marketingcommunicatiestrategieën om in een effectieve online en offline aanpak, die je zowel zelfstandig als in samenwerking met collega’s uitvoert. Je bent een sparringpartner voor interne stakeholders, mede-recruiters en alumni officers bij andere faculteiten en voor je teamgenoten.
• Jouw collega’s: Je bent onderdeel van een ambitieus team van 10 collega's dat zich richt op studentenwerving en -voorlichting, profilering van de faculteit en medewerkers, externe communicatie, interne communicatie, onderzoekscommunicatie en communicatie rond postacademich onderwijs. Je werkt met hen samen aan de realisatie van campagnes, events, middelen en projecten die de faculteit sterk positioneren en studenten en alumni (blijvend) aan ons binden.

Waar je aan bijdraagt
In het kiezen van een masteropleiding zijn de mogelijkheden eindeloos. In hun zoektocht worden studenten overspoeld met feiten, cijfers, rankings, opleidingsinformatie en verhalen. Hoe worden en blijven we als Rechtenfaculteit in die zoektocht zichtbaar? Hoe overtuigen we nieuwe en zittende studenten voor een master in Maastricht? Hoe tonen we het beste de kwaliteit en inhoud van ons aanbod? Hoe koppelen we de juiste studenten aan de juiste opleiding? Hoe zorgen we ervoor dat studenten hier graag studeren? En ook: hoe houden we ze als professional actief verbonden aan de faculteit via een aantrekkelijke alumni-aanpak?

In deze gecombineerde rol heb of vind jij het antwoord op deze vragen en ben je in staat de interne organisatie te overtuigen van je aanpak. Dankzij jou komen er niet alleen voldoende studenten naar onze faculteit, maar worden ze bovendien ambassadeur voor hun studie. Je draagt bij aan de promotie van ons onderwijs en de positionering van de Faculteit der Rechtsgeleerdheid.

Wat jij meebrengt
Het gaat ons er niet om vinkjes te zetten. Zie jij jezelf deze rol met verve vervullen? Solliciteer! We ontmoeten je graag om te ontdekken wat je meebrengt. Wij denken aan iemand:

• met minimaal 4 jaar werkervaring in een rol op het snijvlak van recruitment, marketing en communicatie. Ervaring met jongerendoelgroep of het hoger onderwijs is een pré.
• die sterk is in stakeholdermanagement en het opbouwen van relevante in- en externe netwerken.
• met kennis van en ervaring met het opzetten van customer journeys en marketingfunnels.
• met een sterk gevoel voor communicatie en storytelling; je kunt wervend schrijven en overtuigend presenteren.
• die makkelijk schakelt tussen werkzaamheden op strategisch, tactisch en operationeel niveau.
• met een proactieve houding.
• die denkt in kansen.
• die net zo gemakkelijk zelfstandig werkt als in een team.
• met kennis van CRM/marketing automation (bij voorkeur Dynamics), Google Adwords, Google Analytics, Meta en LinkedIn Ads en Microsoft Office.

Associate Professor in System and Network Security

We are looking for a colleague to strengthen our research and educational initiatives on Cybersecurity. Within that scope you will bring in, share, and develop valuable expertise on System and Network Security. You will be part of the ambitious Cybersecurity team, that operates at Maastricht University in Maastricht and at the Brightlands Smart Services Campus in Heerlen.

Who are you?
We seek a colleague who is passionate about research, who enjoys teaching, and has strong organizational skills. You feel at home in a strongly international, diverse, and cooperative community like ours. Furthermore, we are looking to welcome someone who fosters collaboration at all levels.

Our ideal candidate has:

• A PhD degree in Computer Science or a strongly related field;
• A proven track record in system or network security and is ready to make the step to become Associate professor;
• A proven track record with funding acquisition at Dutch or European level;
• Experience in mentoring a team of junior researchers;
• A collaborative mindset;
• A strong and consistent track record in research and teaching.

Assistant Professor in Computer Systems

We are seeking a scholar whose research and teaching strengthen our expertise in the design, implementation, and analysis of secure computer systems. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to, operating systems, distributed systems, trusted execution environments, cloud computing and the related security aspectes.

The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s research profile and will play an active role in our educational programmes in Computer Science at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. The position comes with a balanced research–teaching load and opportunities for mentorship and collaboration across Maastricht University and its research institutes.

Your profile
We welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate:

• A PhD in Computer Science or a closely related field (completed or near completion);
• A strong research record, evidenced by publications in top computer systems and security venues;
• A clear and compelling research agenda in computer systems and security;
• Commitment to excellent, inclusive teaching and student supervision;
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration and in acquiring competitive research funding.

PhD Candidate in Cancer Research

PhD Candidate in Cancer Research

• Our goal: to develop innovative therapeutic strategies in cancer and translate scientific insights into clinical impact.
• Your colleagues: an interdisciplinary team within the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML), working closely with academic and clinical partners.

Cancer research asks for people who combine scientific curiosity with a clear sense of purpose. In this PhD position, you contribute to a project that connects fundamental insights to questions that matter in practice. You work in a setting where education, research, and care strengthen each other, and where your development as a researcher is taken seriously.

You take ownership of your project from day to day, while receiving guidance from experienced supervisors. You design and carry out research activities, analyse data, and translate findings into clear conclusions. You also share results within the team and contribute to the wider progress of the project.

You work closely with colleagues from different disciplines and build connections between academic and clinical perspectives. That makes this role both intellectually stimulating and highly collaborative. Step by step, you grow into an independent researcher who contributes to new knowledge and meaningful impact in cancer research.

What you do

• Design and carry out research activities within the project.
• Analyse data and translate results into clear and well-founded conclusions.
• Work closely with colleagues across disciplines and with academic and clinical partners.
• Contribute to meetings, publications, and presentations within the research team.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring
We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• Curious and proactive – You enjoy exploring new questions, take ownership of your work, and keep moving forward.
• Analytical and accurate – You work carefully, interpret data with a critical eye, and communicate your conclusions clearly.
• Collaborative by nature – You like working in an interdisciplinary environment and value open exchange with colleagues and partners.
• Resilient and adaptable – You stay motivated when research takes unexpected turns and know how to adjust your approach.
• Academically well prepared – You hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field and have a strong interest in cancer research.