PhD position in novel cell secretome- therapeutics osteoarthritis

Job description

PhD position in a novel cell secretome-based therapeutics for osteoarthritis

Faculty:
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department:
Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences

Hours per week: 36 to 40

Final date to receive applications: 31 October 2026

This PhD project will tackle key challenges in developing new therapies based on Extracellular Vesicles(EV)-enriched scretomes. The aim of the research is to develop innovative technologies that can be used to monitor batch-to-batch consistency of EV-based therapeutics, decipher EV- molecular cargo - functional relationships, and identify disease-related signatures in blood and synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Overall, the project aims to provide new insights and tools for the development of safe, effective, and consistent EV-based therapies.

In this project hands-on analytical wet-lab experiments, including cell biological analyses, multi-omics mass spectrometry and nanoparticle analyses of EV samples, production batches and patients samples, as well as computational methods including AI-enhanced analyses are equally important. Throughout the project, you will develop core skills in fundamental cell biology and metabolism research, in mass spectrometry and integrated multi-omics analysis, and gain insights in the mechanism of action of EV-enriched cell secretome therapy in osteoarthritis.

As part of an EU-funded RIA project in a 10-partner consortium including industry partnerships, you will collaborate with partner institutes in The Netherlands and abroad, and secondments are possible.

• A relevant Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field, and a solid background in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, metabolism, immune regulation or joint biology;
• A strong interest in fundamental cell biology and hands-on analytical wet-lab techniques;
• Enthusiasm for nanoparticle analysis and the application of advanced technologies, such as high-resolution flow cytometry and optical fingerprinting;
• A strong interest in mass spectrometry and its applications in metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. Experience with multi-omics analyses is an advantage;
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, and/or Matlab, with a strong interest in computational methods, including AI-enhanced analyses;
• Excellent skills in writing and speaking English (C1 level);
• Interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, reaching from fundamental to applied clinical research and from academic to industrial research;
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary research consortium, with strong communication skills and interest to engage effectively with different groups (Academic & Clinical researchers, engineers, bio-informaticians and Industrial partners)

a job for 12 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;

a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.204 and €4.051 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;

8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;

a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your…