You will conduct your PhD at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU), within the departments of Nephrology (UMC Utrecht) and Metabolic Diseases (WKZ). In international, multidisciplinary teams, you will design and perform research nephrology, genetics, and physiology, generate and analyse data for publications and present at national and international conferences. You will participate in a national consortium on kidney tubulopathies, collaborating closely with PhD candidates at UMC Utrecht and Radboudumc.

The Department of Nephrology provides care across all stages of kidney failure and offers a full range of renal replacement therapies, including haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation. Our translational research is embedded within the strategic themes Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells and Circulatory Health. As part of the RMCU, our laboratory benefits from a collaborative, innovative environment and contributes to training future clinicians and scientists.

The WKZ is the paediatric hospital of UMC Utrecht and a national expertise center for rare and complex childhood disorders. The Department of Metabolic Diseases provides specialized care for inherited metabolic conditions and conducts research to improve diagnostics, understand mechanisms, and develop new therapies, including gene-based approaches. 

We are looking for a talented and highly motivated PhD student with strong communication skills in English. You hold a master’s degree in biomedical sciences, (Molecular) Biology, Biotechnology, or an equivalent life science degree.

You have proven experience in advanced cell culture, ideally including work with human adult stem cells and organoids. Experience with gene-editing technologies is considered an advantage. You bring a solid background in molecular and cell biology and are familiar with techniques such as cloning, (q)PCR, transfection or viral transduction. You have strong social skills that support effective teamwork, and you are driven by curiosity, resilience, and a continuous desire to learn and innovate.

• A salary between € 3.108,- and € 3.939,- gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment (36 hours). 
• Temporary appointment for 4 years, in accordance with the duration of the PhD programme.
• 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). 
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally. 
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.