Dr. Maarten Merkx

Professor

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Biography

Maarten Merkx is a full professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), where he leads the research group on Protein Engineering. His research focuses on the integration of protein engineering with chemical biology and synthetic biology to develop innovative biomolecular sensors and actuators for applications in intracellular imaging, point-of-care diagnostics, optogenetics, and antibody-based therapies. A significant aspect of his work includes engineering biomolecular switches, particularly fluorescent and bioluminescent sensor proteins for intracellular imaging and the development of protein-DNA-based sensors for antibody detection and actuation. Merkx holds a degree in physical organic chemistry and biochemistry from Radboud University Nijmegen and a PhD from the University of Amsterdam, where he researched purple acid phosphatases. He has held post-doctoral positions at MIT and has received multiple grants from national and international bodies including the NWO and ERC. In addition to his research, Merkx is active in education and management, having served as the dean of his department since November 2019 and as an associate editor for ACS Sensors. He has been recognized for his teaching at the master's level, illustrating his commitment to mentorship and education in engineering.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Eindhoven University of Technology • Eindhoven

Leads the Protein Engineering research group and conducts research in protein engineering, chemical biology, and synthetic biology.

Dean

— Present

Department of Biomedical Engineering • Eindhoven

Oversees academic leadership and administration in the Department of Biomedical Engineering.

Awards

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ERC Consolidator Grant

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NWO Take Grant

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TU/e Teacher Award

Requirements for Eindhoven University of Technology

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.4
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:21
Reading
Required:21
Writing
Required:21
Speaking
Required:21
Total
Required:90
PTE
Listening
Required:65
Reading
Required:65
Writing
Required:65
Speaking
Required:65
Overall
Required:70
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline Specific subject knowledge related to the chosen program (e.g., Calculus, Linear Algebra) Maximum 15 ECTS deficiency for international applicants
Application Checklist
  • Certified copy of Bachelor's degree and transcript
  • Authenticated English/Dutch translation of documents
  • Proof of English proficiency
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Motivation Letter
  • Two letters of reference
  • Summary of Bachelor thesis/dissertation
  • Concise course descriptions of relevant subjects
  • Copy of passport
  • Proof of payment of application fee (EUR 100)
Specialization Notes

Specific departments like Industrial Design require a portfolio. Programs like Data Science and AI require a GRE-General test for certain international backgrounds.