NOCI is a 10-year research programme, awarded by NWO in 2017 and is led by 6 leading researchers from 7 different institutes: Christine Mummery, programme leader (LUMC / Un. Twente), Albert van den Berg (Un. Twente), Hans Clevers (Hubrecht Institute), Cisca Wijmenga (UMC Groningen), Lina Sarro (TU Delft) and Michel Ferrari (LUMC in collaboration with Erasmus MC). NOCI is closely affiliated with the Human Organ and Disease Model Technologies Foundation (hDMT; www.hDMT.technology), in which 15 partner organizations work together to develop organ-on-chip models.
Our goal is to develop novel brain-on-chip platforms that allow us to better understand diseases of the brain, using beyond state-of-the-art technology for integrating human pluripotent stem cells within advanced microphysiological systems, through which we can uncover disease pathophysiology and initiate therapeutic discovery.

We are looking for two PhD students with a master’s degree in biology, chemistry, pharmacology, medicine, or technical sciences. Applicants with experience in growing stem cells, microelectronics and/or microfluidics are preferred. Interest in and experience with research in brain and/or blood vessels is recommended.

A flexible work approach and excellent written and oral communication skills (in English) are essential, as well as the ability to work effectively within a team. Above all, you are enthusiastic and result driven.

Fixed-term contract: for the duration of the programme.

You will be employed on the basis of a 36-hour work week. You will be appointed for the duration of the programme. Your salary is € 2,279 gross per month in the first year, progressing to € 2,919 gross per month in the fourth year based on a full-time position (scale PhD students of the Collective Labour Agreement for University Hospitals).

The terms of employment offered by the LUMC are highly favorable. For example, you will receive 8% holiday remuneration, a year-end bonus, and a pension arrangement with the National Civil Pension Fund. Also, as employee of one of the University Hospitals in the Netherlands, you can benefit from our collective health insurance policy.

Moreover, the LUMC offers excellent facilities in the area of education, child-care centers, and career advice. In addition, you may enjoy various leave arrangements and other extras. 

The LUMC is a center for medical innovation that aims to improve patient care through leading international research. We provide our patients with a safe and friendly environment. Therefore, we are continuously looking for highly qualified doctors, medical care specialists, support staff and academic researchers.

As a PhD student you will be embedded within the departments of Neurology (M.D. Ferrari) and Human Genetics (A.M.J.M. van den Maagdenberg), and the overarching LUMC medical research profile 'Translational Neuroscience'. The Department of Neurology is a clinical department that researches on a wide scale the causes and treatment of various muscle and brain disorders (such as migraine and stroke). The Department of Human Genetics is a broadly oriented research department with focus on the (epi)genomic contribution to inherited and acquired diseases. The department consists of twenty self-contained research groups that perform research in 4 different themes.