PhD in Aortic Biomechanics and Personalised Hypertension Treatment

Welcome to Maastricht University!
Did you know that your aorta is not just a passive tube, but also an active player in regulating your blood pressure? Are you fascinated by how blood vessels adapt their mechanical properties to control cardiovascular function? Join us in exploring the biomechanics of the aorta and its crucial role in personalising hypertension treatment.

 

PhD in Aortic Biomechanics on the ACTIVATE Project

 

• Our goal: To investigate the functional role of aortic contractility in antihypertensive treatment and develop digital twin models for personalised medicine.
• Your colleagues: You will join the Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), part of the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML). Within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, you’ll work in a close-knit, multidisciplinary team of PhD candidates, postdocs, and professors committed to open collaboration and scientific excellence.

Hypertension affects 1.3 billion adults worldwide and is the leading modifiable risk factor for premature death. Current treatment follows a one-size-fits-all approach, leaving 49% of treated patients with suboptimal blood pressure control. The ACTIVATE project aims to achieve a breakthrough by developing a digital twin platform that explicitly considers the physics and physiology of the entire circulatory system, to predict individual responses to different antihypertensive drugs. As a PhD candidate, you will focus on characterising the mechanical contractility of the aorta through cutting-edge experimental biomechanics. You’ll use planar biaxial testing to capture how the aorta responds to various vasoactive stimuli, working with both porcine and human tissue samples. Your experimental data will form the foundation of computational models that integrate arterial mechanics with whole-body cardiovascular function, ultimately enabling personalised treatment selection for hypertension patients. You will also be involved in a clinical study used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the digital twinning approach.

Your project bridges experimental biomechanics, computational modelling, and clinical medicine. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues from Cardiothoracic Surgery and Internal Medicine, and international partners in Belgium and the United States, working together to translate fundamental insights into tangible health solutions.

What you do

• Conduct ex vivo and in vivo studies on aortic tissue biomechanics and composition.
• Work with colleagues at Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+) and other hospitals to obtain human aorta samples.
• Plan, organise, and run a clinical study -- involving e.g., applying for medical ethics approval, patient recruitment, coordination, and helping with measurements.
• Develop (together with other team members) computational models to integrate your experimental findings.
• Collaborate closely with biomedical engineers, clinicians, and basic scientists.
• Contribute to a multidisciplinary, international research community focused on cardiovascular health and digital twin technology.

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring

We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognise yourself in this?

• Academic background - You hold a master’s degree (or equivalent) in Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Sciences, Medicine, or a related field.
• Laboratory/clinical experimental expertise - You have experience with (or strong interest in) mechanical testing, tissue biomechanics, or experimental/clinical physiology.
• Curious and critical mindset - You’re eager to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and discover how things work.
• Affinity with biomechanics - You’re motivated by the intersection of biology, physics, and engineering.
• Collaborative spirit - You enjoy working with colleagues from different disciplines and value diverse perspectives.
• Perseverance and enthusiasm - You’re initiative-taking, committed, and motivated to push your research forward.

 

Dutch language skills are an advantage because of the engagement with patients and clinicians.

 

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

• A 12-month contract with the prospect of a three-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, scale P).
• 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus.
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), public holidays with four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the option to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours.
• Flexible working hours, a commuting and internet allowance, and the option to partially work from home.
• 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 scheme via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities.
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

 

Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)
At FHML, everything revolves around healthy living. Our research and education go beyond recovery; we focus on prevention, well-being, and health promotion. Together with the academic hospital in Maastricht, we form the Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), connecting research, care, and education to improve health outcomes.

FHML is Maastricht University’s largest faculty, home to a vibrant international community of students and staff. Our innovative education and multidisciplinary research address current and future challenges in health and life sciences, creating real-world impact for individuals and society alike.

About Maastricht University
At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with over 23,000 students and 5,000 employees across five regional locations, six 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.

Interested?
Would you like to know more about this position or about working at our university? Reach out to:

• Bart Spronck, Department of Biomedical Engineering - b.spronckmaastrichtuniversity.nl
• Tammo Delhaas, Department of Biomedical Engineering - tammo.delhaasmaastrichtuniversity.nl

 

You can also apply directly using the button below. An orientation day may be part of the selection process.

 

We look forward to getting to know you!

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

 

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity among our staff and students strengthens the quality of our research and education. We therefore encourage you to apply for this position.

 

 

Job Type:  Academic

Faculty/Service Center:  Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Closing date:  8-03-2026

FTE min:  1,0

FTE max:  1,0

Salary min:  €3059,00

Salary max:  €3881,00

ID job:  3021

Job Type:  Academic

Faculty/Service Center:  Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences

Closing date:  8-03-2026

FTE min:  1,0

FTE max:  1,0

Salary min:  €3059,00

Salary max:  €3881,00

ID job:  3021