PhD Position in Neuro-Musculoskeletal Cell-Materials Atlas

Welcome to Maastricht University

Are you excited about pioneering the future of regenerative medicine? Do you want to work at the crossroads of Regenerative Medicine, biomaterials, organoid biology and developmental biology? Join the MERLN Institute and help us shape tomorrow’s biomedical innovations as our new PhD candidate.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop a cell-materials atlas of neuro‑musculoskeletal development and regeneration. The project will investigate how musculoskeletal, neurovascular, and immune cell populations interact with dynamic extracellular environments during tissue formation and repair. The PhD candidate will combine human stem cell‑based 3D in vitro models with datasets from organismal studies, building on recent advances in developmental atlases, spatial omics, and multimodal computational analysis.

Central activities include the integration of spatiotemporal imaging, lineage and cell tracing, and single‑cell spatial multi‑omics (transcriptomic and proteomic). 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.

The project also involves developing predictive models of spatiotemporally resolved cell‑material interactions and linking extracellular material properties such as matrix composition, stiffness, degradability, and remodeling dynamics to tissue assembly and regenerative outcomes across musculoskeletal and neurovascular lineages.

• Academically grounded – you hold or will soon obtain a Master’s degree in biomaterials, bioinformatics, bioengineering, cell biology, developmental biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• Interdisciplinary mindset – you enjoy working at the intersection of materials science, data analysis, programming, and stem cell biology.
• Curious and creative – you are motivated to explore how engineered materials can influence organ development and regeneration.
• Collaborative by nature – you thrive in multidisciplinary and international research environments.
• Strong communicator – you have excellent scientific English skills, both spoken and written. 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.

• A 4‑year PhD position (1 + 3 year contract), starting with a one‑year contract followed by a three‑year extension upon positive evaluation.
• Your salary would be €3,059 gross per month in the first year and up to €3,881 gross per month in the fourth year, according to the PhD salary scale.
• 8 % holiday allowance and an 8.3 % year‑end bonus.
• 29 vacation days per year (full‑time) plus four additional university holidays.
• Flexible working hours and the possibility of hybrid working where the position allows.
• Opportunities for professional development through training programmes and research collaborations within the Drive‑RM consortium.
• A close‑knit international research community at the MERLN Institute.
• A good pension scheme via ABP, company fitness options, and access to university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

The terms of employment at Maastricht University are set out in the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities (CAO‑NU), supplemented by local university provisions.

• A motivation letter describing your interest in the project and your relevant experience.
• The names and contact details of two referees.

Apply via the button below. Candidates should expect to hear from us within a month of the Final date to receive applications. Video interviews will be scheduled for shortlisted candidates, followed by an in‑person interview for those proceeding to the second round. Travel costs for the interview will be compensated.

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.