The aim of this postdoc position is to develop polymeric sorbents for removal of urea from dialysis fluid for application in a wearable or portable artificial kidney device. Currently, no adequate method is available for removal of urea, the primary waste product of nitrogen metabolism of the human body.
In this project, we will design and explore the synthesis of polymers that efficiently bind large amounts of urea. The project is part of a large development programme, initiated by the Dutch Kidney Foundation and supported by NWO, to develop a miniature dialysis device.

A light-weight dialysis device, providing dialysis outside the hospital independent of a fixed water supply, will be a huge leap forward for dialysis patients and is expected to significantly improve their quality of life. Development of urea sorbents is crucial for the successful realisation of a miniature artificial kidney.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and skilled person holding a PhD. in a relevant area of polymer chemistry, materials science or chemical engineering with interest in biomedical research. The candidate should have thorough knowledge of and experience with synthesis, purification and characterisation (HPLC, GPC, NMR, FTIR) of advanced polymers. The candidate should show evidence of good English communication skills, both verbal and written.

We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for one year in an international working environment with the possibility to extend the position, depending on performance. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience  - ranges between €2,709 and €4,274 (scale 10 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment.

Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Here you'll find more information about working at Utrecht University.

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The core activity of the division of Pharmaceutics is the design and pre-clinical testing of tailor-made drug delivery systems for site-specific, time- and/or rate-controlled delivery of small molecular weight drugs, therapeutic proteins, nucleic acids (including DNA and siRNA), and antigens for therapy and prevention of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases. In addition, materials for the (selective) absorption of drugs and body’s waste compounds are designed and developed in our laboratory.