The Cellular Disease Model (CDM) Lab at UMC Utrecht is looking for two enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidates to join our research team. Our lab focuses on various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF) and its associated complications, such as inflammation and cancer. To address key research questions, we use state-of-the-art epithelial models, including patient-derived intestinal organoids.
PhD Position 1: Disease Modeling of CF and Intestinal Inflammation In collaboration with the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI), this project focuses on developing cutting-edge primary cell culture models to study CF and intestinal inflammation—both as separate entities (colitis) and in their interaction.
In the context of non-CF-associated inflammation (colitis), we will further refine primary epithelial culture models, including the development of epithelial-immune cell co-cultures. These models will help us explore interactions between intestinal epithelial cells and patient-derived immune cells, as well as their impact on potential treatment targets.
Additionally, we will investigate inflammation and (colorectal) cancer development in the context of CF.
This project bridges fundamental and translational research, combining state-of-the-art disease modeling with in-depth studies on CF biology, colitis, inflammation, and cancer.
PhD Position 2: Optimizing Drug Therapies for Rare CFTR Mutations While highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) have revolutionized CF care, patients with rare CFTR mutations often lack effective treatment options. This PhD project focuses on identifying and optimizing novel drug combinations to restore CFTR function in underrepresented and ultra-rare CFTR mutation classes.
Another key aspect of this project is improving current culture models by further standardization and replacing animal-derived materials (such as Matrigel) with animal-free alternatives. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the Center for Animal-Free Innovations (CPBT), an institute dedicated to developing complex, disease-relevant, animal-free research systems.
The project will involve high-throughput drug screening, organoid-based functional assays, and advanced molecular characterization to develop targeted therapies for specific CFTR mutation classes.
As a PhD candidate, you will work with advanced in vitro and molecular biology techniques, including:
- Primary cell culture & patient-derived organoids (PDIOs).
- CRISPR-based genome editing.
- Functional assays for CFTR activity.
- Advanced imaging.
- Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches.
- Immunological profiling and inflammatory signaling analyses (specific to PhD position 1).
- High-throughput screening (specific to PhD position 2).