PhD Precision Repair of Donor Livers During Machine Perfusion

Make more donor livers transplantable through cutting-edge transplantation research

Improving the quality and availability of donor organs is one of the greatest challenges in modern transplantation. At the University of Groningen and UMCG, you will contribute to the development of next-generation technologies aimed at assessing, protecting, and repairing donor livers before transplantation. This PhD project is embedded within the multidisciplinary CRISPR-CRYSTAL consortium, bringing together experts in transplantation, nanotechnology, quantum sensing, mitochondrial medicine, and epigenetic editing.

The project combines fundamental science with a clear path toward clinical translation, offering the opportunity to make a direct impact on patient care.

During machine perfusion, donor livers can be maintained outside the body, creating a unique opportunity to assess organ quality and deliver targeted therapies before transplantation. In this PhD project, you will develop and evaluate innovative strategies to detect, prevent, and repair oxidative stress–associated injury in high-risk donor livers. The project integrates three complementary approaches:

• real-time quantum nanodiamond sensing of oxidative stress;
• mitochondrial protection using the clinical-stage compound SUL-238;
• CRISPR-based epigenetic editing delivered via lipid nanoparticles;

Using a combination of cell models and human donor livers, you will investigate how these technologies can improve organ quality and increase the number of transplantable donor livers.

• Performing (long-term) ex vivo liver perfusion experiments using hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion platforms.
• Evaluating mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and liver viability during perfusion.
• Testing nanoparticle-based delivery systems and CRISPR-based epigenetic therapies.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and presenting findings at scientific meetings.
• Collaborating closely with academic and industrial consortium partners.
• Contributing to scientific publications and ensuring that the research results in a PhD thesis.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in organ transplantation and ex situ machine perfusion, regenerative medicine, and translational biomedical research. You enjoy experimental work, can work independently, and are eager to collaborate across disciplines.

• a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences/Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, or a related field;
• an interest in organ transplantation and machine perfusion;
• strong analytical and organizational skills;
• excellent communication skills in English;
• affinity with translational and interdisciplinary research;
• basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques, or a willingness to acquire these skills;
• a proactive, independent, and collaborative working style.

Experience with organ perfusion, nanoparticle delivery, CRISPR technologies, is considered an advantage but is not required.