Utrecht University is offering two PhD positions in Regenerative Orthopedics within the Ombion project, which is dedicated to accelerating the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. The project is funded by the National Growth Funds and involves collaboration with national and international partners. Research will focus on developing advanced in vitro and ex vivo culture models for osteoarthritis, aiming to reduce and replace animal experiments and contribute to new drug development for osteoarthritis patients. The positions are based in the Regenerative Orthopedics research group led by Prof. Marianna Tryfonidou, with co-supervision from Prof. Jeffrey Beekman (UMCU) and Prof. Tim Welting (Maastricht UMC+). The group is multidisciplinary and international, focusing on translational research for joint diseases and low back pain. Candidates will also co-supervise Bachelor's and Master's students and participate in the Graduate School of Life Sciences Regenerative Medicine programme. Applicants must have a relevant Master's degree, laboratory experience, and strong English skills. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional development. The application deadline is 14 November 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the Utrecht University job portal or contact Lizette Utomo at l.utomo@uu.nl.

The Ombion project, officially known as the Centre for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, is seeking two highly motivated PhD candidates to join its mission of accelerating the transition to animal-free biomedical innovations. Funded by the National Growth Funds, Ombion collaborates with a wide network of national and international partners to develop and disseminate expertise and innovations in animal-free biomedical research. The project is organized around four Transition Projects: ALS, cystic fibrosis, asthma & COPD, and Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis. The advertised PhD positions focus specifically on developing new platforms for osteoarthritis research, utilizing advanced in vitro and ex vivo culture models. The overarching goal is to reduce and replace animal experiments while advancing the development of new and improved drugs for osteoarthritis patients. The research builds on established methods and leverages the expertise of collaborating researchers and companies within the Ombion consortium. The successful candidates will join the Regenerative Orthopedics research group, led by Prof. Marianna Tryfonidou, a dynamic and multidisciplinary team based at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht within the Hubrecht Institute. The group’s primary research interests include low back pain and joint diseases, with a strong emphasis on translational research and new therapy development. The PhD candidates will work closely with each other and with other research groups, such as Prof. Jeffrey Beekman’s team at UMCU (high-throughput screening) and Prof. Tim Welting’s group at Maastricht UMC+ (cell reporters). The role also includes co-supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students in practical and thesis assignments. Throughout the PhD trajectory, candidates will gain experience in a collaborative, international research environment involving both academic and industry partners. Enrollment in the Graduate School of Life Sciences (GSLS) Regenerative Medicine programme is included, providing a supportive environment for personal and professional development. The positions offer a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge, animal-free biomedical research with real-world impact on drug development and patient care.