The PhD project entitled "A functional tissue-generating patch for diaphragmatic hernia closure (DIAPATCH)" is a collaborative research project of Radboud university medical center and University of Twente, financed by the Netherlands foundation for scientific research NWO. The general aim is to develop a skeletal muscle-generating patch to close the opening in the muscular diaphragm of children born with CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia).

The biodegradable patch will consist of biological and synthetic polymers, and will have tuneable strength, toughness and biodegradability. Upon implantation of the patch in diaphragm defect, skeletal muscle cell ingrowth will be facilitated by a radial pore structure and biochemical cues. At the Radboud university medical center, a PhD candidate will conduct the biological part of the project, whereas the polymer-chemical part of the project will be carried out by the PhD candidate at the University of Twente. Moreover, four companies, two clinical departments and one patient organization are involved in the project.

Tasks and responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:

• design and perform scientific research in the area of biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
• generate and analyse the data in order to contribute to scientific publications and presents findings at scientific meetings.
• work in a team with other students and scientists to discuss, plans and performs research in a stimulating environment.
• complete the project with a scientific dissertation.

The candidate is expected to develop into an independent researcher. Moreover, the candidate is a team player able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. During the PhD track, the candidate will mentor BSc and MSc students. Expertise in the following areas is highly recommendable: general protein biochemistry, cell culture, (immuno)histology, gene expression analysis and animal research.

• MSc in Biology/Life Science/Biomedical sciences or similar.
• Independent and well-structured working style.
• High degree of initiative.
• Strong motivation to succeed in scientific research.
• Well-developed social skills directed to work in a team.
• Excellent English writing and presentation skills.
• Permission to work with animals (art. 9) is a benefit.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Upon commencement of employment we require a certificate of conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag, VOG) and there will be, depending on the type of job, a screening based on the provided cv. Radboud university medical center's HR Department will apply for this certificate on your behalf.

Read more about the Radboudumc employment conditions and what our International Office can do for you when moving to the Netherlands.

Radboudumc

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS) and is devoted to translate biomedical research into medical practice. The department is located in the RIMLS Research Tower and collaborates closely with clinical research groups in the Radboudumc as well as fundamental research in the Radboud University. A major focus of the department is to make smart biomaterials to stimulate the generation of new organs. Regenerative medicine is one of the themes within the Radboud university medical center.

Research Institutes
At the moment there are more than 1,300 PhD candidates at our medical hospital. This number includes PhD candidates on our pay roll as well as external candidates (those employed somewhere else but researching on our premises).

• Radboud Institute for Health Sciences: ± 700
• Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences: ± 400
• Donders Center for Medical Neurosciences: ± 200

Read what it is like to do a PhD at the Radboud University Medical Center.

Radboudumc
Radboudumc strives to be a leading developer of sustainable, innovative and affordable healthcare to improve the health and wellbeing of people and society in the Netherlands and beyond. This is the core of our mission: To have a significant impact on healthcare. To get a better picture of what this entails, check out our strategy.

Read more about what it means to work at Radboudumc and how you can do your part.