PhD student DRIVE-RM - Hubrecht Institute - Utrecht

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, largely due to the human heart’s limited capacity to regenerate after injury. In contrast, zebrafish have a remarkable ability to fully regenerate their heart, making them a powerful model for uncovering the biological principles underlying tissue regeneration.

In this project, we aim to identify key molecular pathways that drive successful heart regeneration. Our recent work uncovered an epigenetic mechanism involving the chromatin architectural factor HMGA1, which promotes heart regeneration in zebrafish and enhances regeneration in a mouse model of cardiac injury (Bouwman et al., Nature Cardiovascular Research, 2025).

We will apply single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) and epigenomics (ATAC-seq and T-ChIC) to further understand how this epigenetic pathway governs cellular dedifferentiation and plasticity during regeneration in the heart and other tissues.

You will lead the analysis, integration, and interpretation of single-cell omics datasets, and optimize bioinformatic pipelines. You will work closely with wet-lab team members to co-develop, analyze, and interpret the data. This research is embedded in DRIVE-RM, a large national research consortium focused on regenerative medicine. The insights from this work will contribute to our understanding of tissue regeneration and support the development of novel regenerative therapies for human heart disease.

We are looking for a candidate who meets the following criteria:

• A Master’s degree in bioinformatics, computational biology, systems biology, or a related field, with a strong interest in biological processes
• Experience with or interest in single-cell omics (transcriptomic and/or epigenomic) data analysis
• Proficiency in programming languages such as R and/or Python
• A keen interest in regenerative biology and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international research team

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is € 2.901,- and the maximum salary is € 3.707,- gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

For a complete overview of the terms of employment, please refer to the web page: werken bij de KNAW.

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park 'De Uithof'. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Diversity & Inclusion
The KNAW considers a working environment in which everyone feels welcome and appreciated of great importance. A working environment in which attention is paid to individual quality and where development opportunities are paramount. Together we strive for an inclusive culture in which we embrace differences. We would therefore like to invite candidates who want to contribute to this through their background and experience. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the candidate who thus enhances diversity within the Academy.

We will not respond to any supplier enquiries based on this job advertisement.