Postdoctoral researcher – Urethral Tissue Engineering

Your project is part of a larger project with the aim of generating urethral tissue. You will focus on the tissue architecture and tissue requirements for bioprinting. The histological and microstructural characteristics of healthy male urethral tissue will be investigated to identify tissue-specific markers of cells and their ECM as well as structural features. Scanning electron microscopy will be used to assess the microstructure of the tissue, including fibre orientation, pore sizes and other dimensions (vascular spaces). The biomechanical properties, including tensile strength and viscoelastic parameters, will be determined using mechanical analysis in both dynamic and quasi-static conditions. While other partners develop novel bioinks, you will test the behavior and function of the cells in these inks, and compare this with native tissue. In addition, you will be part of the team that generates relevant disease models, both in vitro and in vivo, to test bioprinted grafts in reconstruction of the male urethra. 

You will be performing cutting-edge research and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities of the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht and of the partners in the consortium (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Italy). You will coordinate your work within an (inter)national network of collaborators, while working in an ambitious, motivated, multi-disciplinary team of clinicians, materials scientists, biologists, and engineers. Further, you will co- supervise PhD- and master students and teaching opportunities will be available, if desired. You will receive training, supervision, and guidance for both your research work and personal/professional development, which provides you with an excellent next step towards an independent academic career.

This position is hosted at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU, Regenerative Urology Lab) and you will be primarily appointed at the Department of Urology of the UMC Utrecht. Located at the Utrecht Science Park, the RMCU brings together the largest group of researchers in regenerative medicine in the Netherlands. The regenerative urology lab is closely linked to the clinical urology department at University Medical Center Utrecht.

Together we synergistically work to improve treatment options for urinary tract problems, with special focus on urethral diseases in men: around 50 thousand men in the Netherlands are affected by this. Our group focusses on the vascular embedding and protection of the urethra. The approach and composition of the team (the combination of backgrounds, focus on vascularization of the engineered tissue, use of residual patient material and access to animal experiments) makes our group unique. Our aim is to generate treatment options by using regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. Our mission is to create laboratory grown tissue to be used in urethral reconstruction.

• You hold a PhD degree in regenerative medicine, cell biology, preclinical models, or a related field. You have experience with animal experimentation, FELASA certification (artikel 9) or you are willing to get certified. You use a solid scientific base to tackle a clinical problem and can translate clinical questions into biological solutions.
• You are curious, motivated, practical, eager to learn, and enjoy inter- and multidisciplinary research. You are able to tackle challenges in an effective manner, and use your creativity to find solutions to the challenges encountered.
• You can work independently, but also in a team. You are able to connect and collaborate with our consortium partners.
• You can communicate scientific ideas and results effectively.

• A salary between € 3.493 en € 5.504 gross per month (salary scale 10), based on full- time employment (36 hours).
• The temporal position is initially for one year with the possibility of an extension. Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.