PhD in Liver Perfusion, Transplantation Research, and Translational Drug Development at LUMC/TNO Leiden University Medical Center in Netherlands

Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), in collaboration with TNO, is recruiting a PhD student for the national ARREST project. The project sits at the interface of transplantation research, organ perfusion technology, and translational drug development, with a specific focus on ex vivo normothermic liver perfusion as an experimental model for studying therapeutic interventions.

The PhD position is embedded in an academic-clinical environment and is part of a broader Dutch consortium involving transplantation centers and researchers working on organoid biology, regenerative medicine, imaging, and biochemistry. The work will involve performing and improving liver perfusion experiments, collecting and analyzing metabolic, biochemical, physiological, and pharmacological data, and developing workflows for testing therapies in ex vivo perfusion settings.

This opportunity is especially relevant for candidates interested in medical science, biology, biomedical engineering, and pharmacy, particularly those with interests in organ physiology, regenerative medicine, pharmacokinetics, analytical techniques, and computational modeling. The position is primarily based at LUMC, with an additional appointment at TNO, and offers close collaboration across institutions and disciplines.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Technical Medicine, (Bio)Engineering, Physiology, or a related field. A strong interest in organ perfusion, organ physiology, regenerative medicine, or translational liver research is expected, and experience or interest in ex vivo organ perfusion technologies is preferred. Knowledge of pharmacokinetics, analytical methods, or computational modeling is an advantage.

The role offers a full-time PhD salary of €3,108 to €3,939 gross per month (scale PRO, CAO UMC), plus standard LUMC employment benefits. The application process requires a motivation letter and the contact details of one to two references. The vacancy page indicates that the procedure is expected to be completed by 2026-07-01.