Organ-on-a-chip is currently making the transition from ‘hot and promising cell biological novelty’ to the practical application for pharmaceutical industry. Organ-on-a-chip aims to reduce the large percentage of candidate medicines that fail in late phase clinical trials, and in addition the technology should help to significantly reduce animal testing. TNO and the Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR) are working on three pillars of organ function on-a-chip: cell biological modeling, chip development and microfluidic technology. Our aim is the implementation of these advanced in vitro models as applications for pharmaceutical and food industry. We are currently developing stand-alone gut and liver function on-a-chip applications and enabling their interaction in a multi-organ on-a-chip setup. We focus on metabolic health, microbiome interactions, drug kinetics, and personalized therapeutic efficacy. The team you will be working in is a highly diverse and enthusiastic group of experts with various backgrounds, including in-silico modelling, cell biology, microbiology, toxicology, and related technologies (microfluidics, nanomaterials, Atomic Force Microscopy).

Key responsibilities
Your main task will be to further explore the potential of the models for the development of personalized therapies by expanding the use of stem cell-derived tissues cells. In addition, you will focus on the technical and biological aspects of coupling the liver and gut on-a-chip models. This research project is a collaboration between TNO and the Division of Drug Discovery & Safety, LACDR, Leiden University. You’ll become part of multidisciplinary teams of scientists and technicians at LACDR and TNO locations Leiden (Gaubius building) and Zeist, and work together to reach the team deliverables. The position at Leiden University with detachment at TNO (20% time at UL and 80% time at TNO)

You have a PhD degree in Biomedical Sciences, Bioengineering or similar. You have extensive experience with advanced cell systems such as organoid culture and/or (stem) cell culture, microscopy techniques, and microfluidics. Experience with microbiology and/or systems biology is a plus. You can easily integrate in a multidisciplinary team, and you are willing to present the team results at (international) podia and are open to discussing partners’ or clients’ requirements for organ-on-a-chip applications. Fluent English communication skills, both in speaking and writing, are essential.    

We offer a full-time, 1,5 year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 2.790,-  to € 4.402,-  gross per month (pay scale 10 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to equality, inclusion and diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Leiden University

The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2,200 staff and almost 4,200 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

TNO is an independent research organization whose expertise and research make an important contribution to the competitiveness of companies and organizations, to the economy and to the quality of society as a whole. Within the unit Healthy Living we develop innovations within the preclinical and clinical phases of medicine development, aiming to greatly reduce the failure rate of essential new medicines. This will make it possible to cut development costs and to get drugs to patients sooner. For more information, see the website.