PhD cell therapy and -generation retinal organoids

Passionate about vision science? Join a cutting‑edge PhD project on inherited retinal disorders. You’ll use retinal organoids and 3D bioprinting to study photoreceptor, retinal pigment epithelium, and endothelial interactions and help drive next-generation regenerative and cell therapy strategies.

This PhD project aims to develop next-generation human retinal models to better understand photoreceptor diseases and accelerate regenerative therapies for vision loss. It is embedded within and supported by the national Lifelong VISION (LLV) program, funded through an NWO Gravitation grant, which aims to develop innovative treatments for inherited retinal diseases and age‑related macular degeneration. The project combines stem cell biology, 3D bioprinting, and tissue engineering to build advanced, in vitro models of the outer retina.

Vascularized retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)–choroid constructs will be combined with photoreceptors derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). These models will allow you to dissect the functional and structural interactions between photoreceptors, RPE cells, and vascular cells under both healthy and disease‑relevant conditions.

The project provides an opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge translational research with real potential to impact future therapies for blindness.

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

As a PhD student, you will focus on:

• developing next‑generation retinal organoids;
• generating 3D bioprinted retinal tissues to study RPE–photoreceptor–endothelial interactions under controlled conditions;
• characterizing organoids and bioprinted tissues using molecular, cellular, and functional assays (e.g., immunostaining, gene expression analysis, imaging, electrophysiology, or other functional readouts);
• generating patient‑specific iPSC‑derived photoreceptors to model disease phenotypes and investigate degeneration mechanisms;
• evaluating regenerative strategies, including photoreceptor cell therapy, gene therapy, and small‑molecule interventions, to restore photoreceptor function and assess tissue integration;
• collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, including experts in iPSC technology, retinal biology, and translational regenerative medicine;
• publishing in international peer‑reviewed journals and presenting findings at conferences.

For this project, we are seeking a motivated PhD candidate with a strong interest in regenerative medicine, stem cell and organoid technologies, and retinal research. Moreover, you:

• have a completed MSc (or equivalent) in Cell biology, Molecular biology, Biomedical sciences, Neuroscience, Ophthalmic research, or related field;
• preferably have experience with stem cell cultures (iPSCs), 3D culture or organoid systems, bioprinting, molecular and cellular biology assays, imaging, and/or functional characterization;
• have excellent English communication skills;
• work well independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team;
• have the ambition to complete a PhD thesis and develop as a researcher.

Candidates with additional experience in translational research, preclinical studies, or cell therapy are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities for stem cell research, 3D bioprinting, organoid culture, and retinal biology.
• Mentorship from experienced Principal Investigators with expertise in retina, iPSC technology, and translational research.
• Opportunity to shape your own research direction within the theme of next‑generation retinal organoids and RPE–photoreceptor–endothelial interactions in 3D tissues.
• A stimulating, collaborative, and inclusive work environment with multidisciplinary expertise.
• You will be employed by Amsterdam UMC Research BV.
• A contract for 12 months, with the intention to extend for a total of 4 years. The Guideline PhD contract applies to this vacancy.
• 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…