PhD student Mechanical Control of Cartilage Regeneration

Your project, which is part of the ERC-funded project Re-COLL (Advanced Grant, Prof. Malda), will focus on the design of a novel multifunctional bioreactor system that can expose engineered tissue to controlled mechanical loads and mimic the displacement resulting from combined growth patterns. You will develop novel approaches to visualize and quantify the tissue organization and investigate the responses of the embedded cells. The results will be used to identify the driving mechanical and physical stimuli of the growth, maturation and (enzyme-driven) remodelling of biofabricated anisotropic networks of microfibrils to ensure the long- term functionality of the engineered biofabricated structures, which is pivotal for the development of durable and functional regenerative approaches.

You will be performing cutting-edge research and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities both through the Orthopedic clinic at the UMC Utrecht and the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht.

You will co-supervise master and bachelor students during their internships and teaching opportunities will be available. You will be part of the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and will receive training, supervision, and guidance for both your research work and personal/professional development, which provides you with an excellent basis for an independent academic career.

This position is hosted at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) and you will be appointed to the Department of Orthopedics 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, who closely work together to translate scientific and technological discoveries into patient benefit. The Department of Orthopedics at the UMC Utrecht is a global leader in the development and application of novel regenerative technologies, such as cell-based therapies, 3D (bio)printing, and the application of biomaterials and controlled release systems.

• You hold a Master's degree in biomedical engineering technology or a related field.
• You have a strong proven interest in bioreactor design, tissue biomechanics and development, which should be specifically highlighted in your application letter.
• You are curious, motivated, goal-oriented, eager to learn, and thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment. You are able to tackle challenges in an effective manner, also when this requires a creative/non-conventional approach.
• You are able to work independently, but also in a team. You are able to connect and collaborate with our partners.
• You are able to communicate scientific ideas and results effectively. Proven proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

• A salary between € 3017 and € 3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours).
• An initial contract for a period of one year, which will be extended to a total of four years upon successful assessment.
• 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.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Access to a variety of online courses through GoodHabitz.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.