PhD student Translational Cartilage Biofabrication

This is a 4-year full-time (1.0 FTE) PhD student position focused on cell-mediated cartilage regeneration.

Dit ga je doen

This project aims to develop a regenerative and personalized therapy for treating damaged load-bearing cartilage by integrating clinically validated cell therapy with advanced biofabrication techniques. Our goal is to establish a single-stage treatment that enables efficient clinical translation. By incorporating cells into biofabricated constructs, we aim to enhance their instant mechanical stability, functional remodeling, and in vivo integration.

The “IMPACT” cell therapy treatment for cartilage defects combines autologous chondrons with allogeneic MSCs and is currently in phase III clinical trials. This project will build further on our expertise in this therapy and our pioneering biofabrication research. You will study cell behavior and MSC-chondron crosstalk using innovative techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing. You will apply this knowledge to optimize the integration of cell therapy and biofabrication, for example, by adjusting cell concentrations or cell ratios for application within 3D tissue constructs. You will investigate the effect of precise cell or aggregate deposition on cartilage formation and organization, and cell signaling in vitro. This research project will involve close collaboration with medical doctors at the UMC Utrecht. You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Orthopedic Clinic and the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (which houses the Utrecht Biofabrication Facility). You will coordinate your research within an (inter)national network of collaborators and be part of a multidisciplinary team of clinicians, veterinarians, materials scientists, biologists, and engineers. Additionally, you will co-supervise master’s and bachelor’s students during their internships, with teaching opportunities. As a PhD candidate within the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences, you will receive comprehensive training, supervision, and mentorship, providing a strong foundation for an independent academic career.

Hier ga je werken

This position is hosted at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) and you will be appointed to the Department of Orthopedics of the UMC Utrecht. Located at the Utrecht Science Park, the RMCU brings together the largest group of researchers in regenerative medicine in the Netherlands, who closely work together to translate scientific and technological discoveries into patient benefit. The Department of Orthopedics at the UMC Utrecht is a global leader in the development and application of novel regenerative technologies, such as cell-based therapies, 3D (bio)printing, and the application of biomaterials and controlled release systems. 

Dit neem je mee

• You hold a Master’s degree in biology, regenerative medicine, biomedical sciences, medicine, or a related field.
• You have a strong proven interest in cell and tissue culture, which should be highlighted explicitly in your application letter.
• You have strong data analysis skills. Experience with bioinformatics tools and statistical analysis for high-throughput data is highly preferred.
• You are curious, motivated, goal-oriented, eager to learn and thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment. You can effectively tackle challenges, even when this requires a creative/non-conventional approach.
• You are able to work independently, but also in a team. You can connect and collaborate with our (inter)national partners.
• You can communicate scientific ideas and results effectively. Proven proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Dit bieden we jou

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao). 
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%. 
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution. 
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.