PhD Position in Neuro-Musculoskeletal Cell-Materials Atlas at MERLN Institute, Maastricht University
Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD position in Neuro-Musculoskeletal Cell-Materials Atlas at the MERLN Institute. This interdisciplinary project aims to pioneer the future of regenerative medicine by integrating spatiotemporal imaging, lineage-resolved cell tracing, and spatially resolved single-cell transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. The research will map how extracellular material environments shape neuro-musculoskeletal tissue development and regeneration, combining human stem cell-based 3D in vitro models with organismal datasets and leveraging advances in spatial omics and multimodal computational analysis.
The successful candidate will join a diverse team of biologists, chemists, and engineers at MERLN, working at the intersection of biomaterials, organoid biology, and developmental biology. The project focuses on the interactions between musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and immune cell populations with dynamic extracellular environments during tissue formation and repair. AI and machine-learning tools will be used to analyze imaging data, integrate multimodal datasets, map spatial niches, and compare in vitro observations with organismal reference programs. Predictive models will be developed to link extracellular material properties—such as matrix composition, stiffness, degradability, and remodeling dynamics—to tissue assembly and regenerative outcomes across musculoskeletal and neurovascular lineages.
The resulting cell-materials atlas will provide a foundation for understanding coordinated neuro-musculoskeletal development and regeneration, supporting the rational design of biomaterials for multi-tissue repair. MERLN Institute offers newly renovated laboratories, state-of-the-art facilities, and a close-knit international research community. The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML) at Maastricht University is committed to health from molecule to human, training healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conducting groundbreaking research in health and well-being.
Applicants should hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree in biomaterials, bioinformatics, bioengineering, cell biology, developmental biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field. Candidates should demonstrate an interdisciplinary mindset, motivation to explore engineered materials in organ development and regeneration, and excellent scientific English skills. Knowledge of Dutch is not required. Candidates who have not yet completed their Master’s degree are welcome to apply, provided they clarify the expected completion timeline in their application.
The position offers a 4-year contract (1+3 years), with a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month and up to €3,881 gross per month in the fourth year, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, 29 vacation days per year, flexible working hours, hybrid working options, professional development opportunities, pension scheme, company fitness, and access to university sports facilities. Travel costs for interviews will be compensated. The terms of employment are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO-NU), supplemented by local university provisions.
To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, and names/contact details of two referees via the application link. Short-listed candidates will be invited for video interviews, followed by in-person interviews for finalists. The application deadline is 12th July 2026. Maastricht University is committed to diversity and inclusion, prioritizing internal candidates in case of equal qualifications. For further information, contact Prof. Stefan Giselbrecht or Prof. Martijn van Griensven.
