The PhD project entitled "Spatiotemporal signaling scaffolds mitigating skin fibrosis" is a research project financed internally by Radboud university medical center. The general aim is to develop and evaluate enabling technologies to produce scaffolds with spatiotemporal signaling activity of effector molecules in physiologically relevant amounts. By controlling the in vivo time of release and the site of action, the biological effectiveness of growth factors can be fully exploited, thus resulting in off-the-shelf "spatiotemporal signaling scaffolds" for regenerative medicine. In the project focus will be on collagen scaffolds to reduce skin fibrosis.

Two approaches to immobilize and release growth factor activity, and reduce the amount of growth factors will be taken:

• Application of heparan sulfate mimetics that bind, protect and present heparin-binding growth factors, thereby reducing the total amount of natural growth factor required.
• Replacement of growth factors by anti-fibrotic small molecules in combination with click chemistry, waiving the use of natural growth factors. Scaffolds will be assessed for their anti-fibrotic effect in a full-thickness skin wound model.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Design and perform scientific research in the area of biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
• Generate and analyze 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 PhD candidate is expected to develop into an independent researcher. Moreover, you are a team player able to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team. During the PhD track, you will mentor BSc and MSc students.

• Expertise in the following areas is highly recommendable: general protein biochemistry (incl. chemical conjugations), glycobiology, HPLC, MS, cell culture, (immuno)histology and animal research.
• MSc in Life Science/(Bio)chemistry/Biomedical sciences/Biology 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.