PhD Candidate: iPSC Autonomic Innervation & 3D Optogenetics

Maastricht University; Maastricht; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12-month contract

3-year extension potential

ABP pension

University sports facilities

Job summary

Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Bioengineering focusing on autonomic innervation and optogenetic control in 3D tissue models. The project combines iPSC-derived sympathetic neurons, hydrogel-based tissues, electrophysiology, and optical imaging to create functional, label-free readouts of neuronal activity.

You will genetically engineer cells using PiggyBac, integrate electrodes in 3D cultures, and collaborate with experts in biofabrication, imaging, and cell

Qualifications

• MSc in Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Hands-on mammalian cell culture experience in 2D and hydrogel matrices.
• Experience designing/assembling experimental setups.
• Willingness to learn molecular biology techniques (cloning, transposon-based transfection).
• Strong English communication (CEFR C1+).

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

iPSC differentiation

Neural tissue culture

Electrophysiology

Optogenetics

3D tissue models

Education

MSc in Bioengineering

Tools

PiggyBac transposition

Multiphoton imaging

3D confocal imaging

Job description

Maastricht University invites applications for a PhD Candidate in Bioengineering focusing on autonomic innervation and optogenetic control in 3D tissue models. The project combines iPSC-derived sympathetic neurons, hydrogel-based tissues, electrophysiology, and optical imaging to create functional, label-free readouts of neuronal activity.

You will genetically engineer cells using PiggyBac, integrate electrodes in 3D cultures, and collaborate with experts in biofabrication, imaging, and cell