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.