PhD Candidate in Cell-Matrix Interactions in Dynamic Hydrogels

PhD Candidate in Cell-Matrix Interactions in Dynamic Hydrogels Discover how dynamic supramolecular matrices instruct cells and how cells can, in turn, reshape and improve the material around them

Our goal: To establish predictive relationships between supramolecular hydrogel design and cell response, and to use these insights to create adaptive materials with two-way communication between cells and their matrix.

Your colleagues: You will join the BioMatt group of Dr. Matthew Baker (https://merlninstitute.com/discover-merln/departments-and-groups/research-groups/biomatt-polymeric-biomaterials). The BioMatt group is part of MERLN’s Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE), which develops biomaterials that actively interact with and guide biological systems. Within this environment, BioMatt combines molecular and polymer design with cell biology and tissue engineering to create dynamic materials for biomedical applications.

Working at MERLN means joining an international network of researchers from approximately 25 nationalities and a collaborative community spanning biomaterials, chemistry, mechanobiology, tissue engineering, biofabrication, microbiology, and cell biology. You will work in newly renovated laboratories with access to state-of-the-art facilities and close scientific support from colleagues across the SupraValent team.

What you do

This position leads the cell–matrix interaction and mechanobiology line within the ERC Consolidator project SupraValent. You will use both design and use established hydrogel platforms and processing workflows from the team to determine how material properties are sensed by cells and how cells feed back on their environment. You will:

• Design and create supramolecular hydrogels with control over biofunctionalization via peptide cues
• Establish robust 2D and 3D cell-culture workflows in supramolecular and dynamically reinforced hydrogels.
• Determine how stiffness, stress relaxation, network architecture, and dynamic covalent reinforcement influence cell adhesion, morphology, mechanotransduction, phenotype, and matrix production.
• Investigate how the molecular-scale presentation and accessibility of cell-adhesive or other bioactive ligands affect cellular responses, including cases where bulk material properties are closely matched.
• Study reciprocal cell–matrix interactions, including cell-mediated remodeling, deposition of extracellular matrix, and changes in hydrogel structure or mechanics over time.
• Work closely with team members to evaluate engineered cells within hydrogel environments and determine whether their activity can controllably build, reinforce, functionalize, or remodel the material.
• Contribute to experimental design, data analysis, publications, conference presentations, and supervision of students within the multidisciplinary BioMatt team.

The project will initially use well-defined cells and previously created materials and will develop toward novel materials designs with engineered living-material concepts in collaboration. Specific cell types and biological questions will be selected according to the strongest mechanistic opportunities and collaborations.

Are you ready to connect molecular material design with cell function? Then we would love to meet you.

Scientific background

Cells respond not only to the chemical composition and stiffness of their extracellular matrix, but also to its viscoelasticity, molecular organization, ligand presentation, and capacity to change over time. These variables are difficult to control independently in conventional hydrogels. SupraValent combines reversible benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) self-assembly with covalent and dynamic-covalent modification to create materials whose mechanics, dynamics, and functionality can be adjusted after assembly. The project has established a growing molecular toolbox and hydrogel platforms with tunable stress relaxation, self-healing, reinforcement, and processing behavior.

The next challenge is to determine how to make these material features more biologically meaningful. This PhD project will move beyond simple viability testing to resolve how cells sense local and bulk properties, how these cues influence mechanotransduction and matrix production, and how cellular activity changes the material over time. In the later phase, the candidate will work towards a central SupraValent concept: living cells that do more than survive within a hydrogel, instead actively contributing to its construction, reinforcement, or functional adaptation.

This fully funded 4-year PhD position offers training at the interface of supramolecular and polymer chemistry, mechanobiology, cell biology, and biomaterials, while remaining embedded in a highly collaborative research environment.

Key references

• Hafeez et al. Advanced Materials 2023, 35, 2207053. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202207053
• Hafeez et al. Advanced Materials 2023, 35, 2301242. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202301242
• Ruiter et al. Advanced Science 2022, 9, 2200543. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202200543
• Rijns et al. JACS 2024, 146, 17539–17588. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.4c02980

What you bring

We are interested in the combination of experience, motivation, and perspective you would bring. The ideal candidate is a careful and curious experimental scientist who wants to understand cell–material interactions on a molecular scale. You are comfortable 1) working with cells, interested in quantitative analysis, or 2) molecularly designing and characterizing soft polymer materials. In the project you should be excited to learn both as part of the PhD trajectory.

Furthermore, you bring:

• An MSc (or equivalent) in Biomaterials, Polymer Chemistry, Tissue Engineering, Cell Biology, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, or a closely 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
• Substantial hands-on experience with either mammalian cell culture or biomaterials design acquired through an MSc thesis, extended research project, or relevant research position, including (cell culture) aseptic technique, experimental planning, and reliable maintenance of cell-based assays or (biomaterials) polymer functionalization, soft matter characterization, hydrogel formation.
• Experience studying cells in contact with biomaterials, hydrogels, extracellular-matrix models, or other engineered microenvironments. Direct experience with 3D cell culture or cell encapsulation is highly desirable.
• Interest in mechanobiology and in relating cell behavior to material properties such as stiffness, stress relaxation, ligand presentation, or remodeling. Prior rheology or mechanical-characterization experience is helpful but not required.
• The ability to document experiments clearly, analyze data critically, troubleshoot protocols, and communicate across disciplinary boundaries.
• Experience with extracellular-matrix deposition, cell-mediated remodeling, engineered cells, microbial culture, or engineered living materials is considered an advantage, but is not required.
• Excellent command of scientific English (minimum CEFR level C1), as English is the working language of the group.
• Availability to start the position on short notice is highly desirable; however, the start date remains flexible for highly qualified applicants.

What we offer

At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• 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.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)

FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programs and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

About MERLN

Research Institute MERLN (Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine) within FHML develops new technologies for the repair, regeneration, and in vitro modeling of tissues and organs. Within MERLN, the Department of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering (IBE) uses materials science and engineering to design biomaterials for applications ranging from medical devices and scaffolds for regenerative therapies to predictive in vitro models. By controlling material chemistry, structure, mechanics, and biological functionality, IBE researchers create systems that actively interact with and guide biological processes. The department brings together expertise in polymeric, inorganic, supramolecular, and bioactive materials at the interface of chemistry, engineering, and regenerative medicine.

Interested?

The deadline for submitting your application is 15 November 2026.

Please submit:

• CV
• Cover letter explaining your motivation and relevant experience
• Names and contact details of two referees

The selection process consists of two interviews: one conducted online and one on-site. During the on-site interview, candidates will be asked to give a presentation, followed by individual meetings with team members.

For more information about the scientific content of the position, contact Dr. Matthew Baker via m.baker@maastrichtuniversity.nl.

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow.

The vacancy is open to internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

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.

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Maastricht University distinguishes itself with its innovative education model, international character and multidisciplinary approach to research and education.