PhD Position in Novel Cell Secretome-Based Therapeutics for Osteoarthritis
Join an interdisciplinary initiative to advance secretome-based therapies as next-generation biologicals for osteoarthritis.
Best for:Best for graduate scientists with a background in cell biology or biochemistry interested in multi-omics and extracellular vesicle therapeutics.
Overview
Utrecht University is inviting applications for a PhD position focusing on extracellular vesicle-enriched secretomes to treat osteoarthritis. Operating within the Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the successful candidate will develop technologies to monitor batch consistency, analyze molecular cargo, and identify disease signatures. The research combines hands-on wet-lab experiments, multi-omics mass spectrometry, and AI-enhanced computational methods. The appointee will collaborate internationally as part of a 10-partner EU-funded research consortium.
What you'll do
- Conduct hands-on analytical wet-lab experiments including cell biological analyses and nanoparticle measurements of extracellular vesicles.
- Perform multi-omics mass spectrometry on production batches and patient samples.
- Apply computational methods and AI-enhanced data analyses to interpret molecular cargo and functional relationships.
- Monitor batch-to-batch consistency of extracellular vesicle-based therapeutics.
- Identify disease-related signatures in blood and synovial fluid samples from osteoarthritis patients.
- Collaborate with academic, clinical, and industrial partners across an interdisciplinary EU-funded research consortium.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; C1 level proficiency in writing and speaking
Instruction: English
- Solid background in cell biology, metabolism, immune regulation, or joint biology
- Strong interest in fundamental cell biology and hands-on analytical wet-lab techniques
- Basic proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, and/or Matlab
- Excellent communication and English writing and speaking skills at C1 level
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-31
Submit your application through the official university portal by the specified deadline. Ensure all requested academic credentials and personal statements are attached as outlined in the vacancy announcement.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Master’s degree transcripts
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