PhD Candidate in Supramolecular Hydrogels for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

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: To develop dynamic, molecularly designed biomaterials for applications including 3D cell culture and bioprinting. The project will combine molecular self-assembly with covalent reinforcement to create biomimetic hydrogels whose mechanics, dynamics, and functionality can be controlled in space and time.
• Develop new synthetic routes for supramolecular polymers.
• Characterize supramolecular polymer structure-property relationships using advanced analytical techniques.
• Engineer dynamic hydrogel systems with tailorable mechanical and chemical properties.
• Design hydrogels and formulations to create injectable, 3D printable, and patternable materials. The supramolecular materials developed will ultimately be applied to create controllable 3D environments for tissue engineering applications ranging from vascularization and osteochondral regeneration to living materials with microbial components.
• Francis LC Morgan, Ivo AO Beeren, Jurica Bauer, Lorenzo Moroni, Matthew B Baker. JACS, 2024, 146, 27499–27516. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c08099
• 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, Vanessa LS LaPointe, Matthew B Baker. Advanced Science, 2022, 9, 2200543. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200543
• MSc (or equivalent) in Organic/Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field. Candidates with an equivalent research qualification from an educational system without a separate Master’s degree are also encouraged to apply; eligibility will be assessed individually.
• Demonstrated knowledge and/or hands-on experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis, acquired through an MSc thesis, extended research project, advanced coursework, or relevant internship. You should have experience with multi-step synthetic under supervision, standard purification techniques (e.g., column chromatography, precipitation, extraction), and maintaining structured laboratory records with clear reporting of experimental results.
• Demonstrated knowledge of or hands-on experience with polymer and small-molecule characterization methods, such as NMR, GPC, rheology, or mechanical testing. This experience may have been gained through an MSc thesis, extended research project, advanced coursework, or relevant internship. While not required, the ability to independently operate at least one of these techniques, interpret and report experimental data, and relate characterization results to polymer structure and material properties is highly desirable.
• Interest in applying supramolecular and polymer chemistry to bioengineering and soft matter applications, with demonstrated exposure to biomaterials, hydrogels, self-assembly systems, or structure–property relationships in polymeric materials.
• Experience with characterization of self-assembled or dynamic systems, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, DLS, or (cryo-)electron microscopy, and/or analysis of reaction or binding kinetics, is considered an advantage.
• Excellent command of scientific English (minimum CEFR level C1), with strong proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as English is the working language of the group.
• A 12-month contract (1,0 FTE) with the prospect of a 3 year extension based on mutual satisfaction.
• A gross monthly salary between € 3.204 and € 4.051 (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.
• 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.
• Cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience
• Names and contact details of two referees