PhD student In vitro BBB modelling for Alzheimer's Disease

VascuLink – Modelling the neurovascular unit by linking brain organoids to the blood-brain barrier

This four-year PhD project develops a next-generation human neurovascular unit-on-a-chip. We integrate our iPSC-derived blood-brain barrier (BBB) model with cortical organoids and electrophysiological readouts. Our goal is to build a human-relevant platform to study neurovascular dysfunction in alzheimer’s disease and accelerate preclinical drug development while reducing animal use.

VascuLink is a unique public-private partnership. The Neuro-immunology research group at Amsterdam UMC contributes expertise in BBB biology and iPSC-derived models (Elga de Vries' lab). UMC Utrecht adds knowledge on cortical organoids (lab of Elly Hol). NETRI provides organ-on-chip technology. Accure Therapeutics supports translational validation. hDMT strengthens standardisation of new approach methodologies. Proefdiervrij, Hersenstichting and Alzheimer Nederland ensure societal relevance and patient alignment within the BRAINS initiative.

As a PhD candidate, you enrol in the Graduate School of Amsterdam UMC.

Would you like to know more about the different phases within the PhD trajectory? You can read more about this on this page.

You develop and validate an advanced in vitro BBB model integrated with cortical brain organoids. You focus on modelling neurovascular dysfunction in alzheimer’s disease and testing BBB-restoring compounds.

Your work includes:

• establishing a hiPSC-derived BBB model using brain microvascular endothelial cells and pericytes on organ-on-chip platforms;
• integrating isogenic cortical organoids and validating functional connectivity between compartments;
• assessing vascular, glial and neuronal function using multi-electrode arrays (MEA) and electrophysiological readouts;
• generating an alzheimer’s disease model using patient-derived hiPSCs;
• evaluating the therapeutic potential of BBB-repair compounds as proof-of-concept.

You collaborate closely with academic and industry partners and present your findings at consortium meetings and scientific conferences.

You are driven to advance translational neuroscience and reduce reliance on animal models. You combine technical expertise with perseverance and a collaborative mindset.

You have:

• A master’s degree in bioengineering, neuroscience, biomedical sciences or a related field;
• Experience with iPSC culture and differentiation and/or in vitro BBB models;
• Affinity with organoid systems, organ-on-chip technology and neurovascular biology;
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently and in a team;
• Excellent English communication skills, written and spoken.

Experience with MEA technology, neuroimmunology or alzheimer’s disease models is a plus. Hepatitis B vaccination is mandatory and provided by Amsterdam UMC.

• A flying start to your career in scientific research.
• Plenty of room for your drive to shape tomorrow's healthcare.
• Working on large-scale and in-house research, with motivated colleagues from all over the world.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• The intended start date for the project is May 1st 2026.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• We also provide you with the opportunity to follow further training and development.
• Salary scale OIO: € 3.108 to € 3.939 gross based on full-time employment (depending on education and experience) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%. Calculate your net salary here.
• Holiday hours: 190.4 per year for fulltime and a possibility to save additional hours.
• Pension accrual with BeFrank, a modern, comprehensible and fairly priced pension.
• For >7 km each way, 100% reimbursement for public transport travel costs and, for private transport, €0.18 per km up to a maximum of 40 km each way.
• Do you prefer walking or cycling? Take advantage of our good bike scheme. Moreover, you will receive a reimbursement of €0.18 per km.

Watch this video with more information about joining Amsterdam UMC Research BV.

You join the Neuro-immunology research group within the department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology at Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (O|2 building). The project is supervised by prof. dr. Elga de Vries and dr. Henrique Nogueira Pinto and embedded in Amsterdam Neuroscience.

This PhD project is carried out in close collaboration with the Department of Translational Neuroscience at UMC Utrecht, under supervision of prof. dr. Elly Hol. You will interact regularly with researchers in Utrecht and work across institutes within a strong national consortium.

You become part of a multidisciplinary team of approximately 30 researchers with expertise in neuroimmunology, bioengineering, stem cell biology and molecular neuroscience. The culture is collaborative and ambitious, with strong links to industry partners and a clear translational focus. This environment offers direct exposure to organ-on-chip development, iPSC technology and drug discovery for neurodegenerative diseases.

Amsterdam UMC Research BV supports non-profit scientific research. In doing so, we provide researchers with everything they need to excel. Our principal investigators (PIs) and project leaders offer support in the field of project management, finance and human resources. In medical scientific research projects, legal support is also provided.

Watch the video to find out more.

During the publication period, applications will be handled continuously. If the vacancy is filled, it will be closed prematurely.

If you have any questions about this position, please feel free to contact Elga de Vries, at he.devries@amsterdamumc.nl or Henrique Nogueira Pinto, at c.h.nogueirapinto@amsterdamumc.nl.

For more information about the application procedure, please contact Chey Edwards, recruitment advisor, at c.i.edwards@amsterdamumc.nl.

A reference check, screening and hiring assessment may be part of the procedure. Read here whether that applies to you. If you join us, we ask you for a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct).

Internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates in case of equal suitability.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be considered.