PhD Candidate Bioengineering Autonomic Innervation & Optogenetic Control in 3D Tissue Models

Official university vacancy imported from Maastricht University. Details are presented for discovery and may change. Confirm the latest requirements and apply on the official source.

• Our goal: The aim of this PhD project is to develop integrated 3D tissue models by combining iPSC-derived sympathetic neurons with hydrogel-based systems, and to establish functional, label-free readouts of neuronal activity using electrophysiological and optogenetic approaches.
• Your colleagues: This position is embedded within our research group (Neural Engineering), part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, which focuses on tissue innervation and combines biofabrication, stem cell biology, genetic engineering, and advanced imaging to build physiologically representative in vitro models of the peripheral and autonomic nervous system. You will work closely with the PI and collaborate with colleagues across cell biology, bioengineering, and imaging within the group.
• Develop and optimize an iPSC differentiation protocol for sympathetic neurons
• Integrate sympathetic neurons into 3D hydrogel-based tissue models
• Design and implement electrode integration within the 3D hydrogel environment
• Establish and validate electrophysiological recording protocols from the 3D innervated model
• Perform genetic engineering (PiggyBac transposition) to introduce optogenetic actuators
• Characterize innervation patterns and neuronal activity using 3D confocal and multiphoton imaging
• Analyse and interpret electrophysiological and imaging data
• Present findings at lab meetings, conferences, and in peer-reviewed publications
• MSc (or equivalent) in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• Prior hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, including maintaining mammalian cells on a 2D culture dish and growing cells within a hydrogel
• Experience in a hands-on laboratory or engineering project context where you have had to design and assemble (or even build) your own experimental setup
• Experience in or the willingness and aptitude to learn molecular biology techniques (cloning, transposon-based transfection)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English (C1 or higher - CEFR)
• Experience with neural tissue culture and/or iPSC differentiation
• Experience with 3D in vitro culture and Organ-on-Chip fabrication
• Experience with image analysis and/or programming for data analysis
• Experience with electrophysiology or biosensor/device instrumentation or experience with signal analysis and programming is a significant bonus
• Experience with 3D biofabrication or hydrogel-based tissue engineering
• 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and € 3.881 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours.
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas.
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with.
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.
• Motivation letter explaining your motivation for this PhD project, including why this research topic interests you and why you would like to contribute to this project. Please focus on your motivation and interest in the project rather than describing your technical skills and experience.
• Grade list
• Contact information of 2 referees
• Publication list (if applicable)
• A 2-page research plan describing your proposal for your 4-year project, organized into work packages and deliverables. Include a summary of how this plan builds on your existing skills, which topics and activities you would need to further develop, and how you would approach acquiring the additional knowledge and skills needed to successfully execute the project.