PhD candidate position HYDRO-VES project (DRIVE-RM program)

We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to work on HYDRO-VES: Hydrogel-Driven Mechanotransduction: Engineering Cell Physiology and Extracellular Vesicle Secretion. The project is part of the NWO-funded DRIVE-RM program, which aims to unite biology, engineering, and medicine to advance material-based regenerative therapies.

Your job
In the HYDRO-VES project, your goal will be to develop, characterize, and functionally evaluate an advanced hydrogel system that enables controlled mechanostimulation of cells. The production of extracellular vesicles by cells embedded in the gel will be investigated.

During your PhD trajectory, you will work within a collaborative project between the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Prof. Tina Vermonden and Dr. Bas van Ravensteijn) and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Prof. Marianna Tryfonidou and Dr. Lizette Utomo). You will also enroll in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) Regenerative Medicine program, an inspiring, multidisciplinary, and translational PhD training program in regenerative medicine. This program covers fundamental and developmental biology, disease processes and mechanisms, technical innovation, and clinical applications.

• a job for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension to a total of four years subject to a positive evaluation.
• a permanent employment contract;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

Clinical Sciences
At the Department of Clinical Sciences, you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD students. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

For more information, please contact Lizette Utomo at l.utomo@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.