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Utrecht University

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PhD position in novel cell secretome-based therapeutics for osteoarthritis Utrecht University in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Cell Biology

Funding

Paid PhD employment for 12 months initially, with extension to a total of four years upon successful first-year assessment and the intent to complete a doctorate within that period. Gross monthly salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 based on a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

Utrecht University

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Keywords

Cell Biology
Metabolism
Computer Science
Chemistry
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Veterinary Science
Mass Spectrometry
Medical Science
Arthritis
Omics
Extracellular Vesicle
Lipidomic
Metabolomic

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About this position

Utrecht University is advertising a PhD position in novel cell secretome-based therapeutics for osteoarthritis at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences. The project focuses on extracellular vesicles (EVs), EV-enriched secretomes, and the development of new tools to monitor batch-to-batch consistency, understand EV cargo-function relationships, and identify disease-related signatures in blood and synovial fluid from osteoarthritis patients.

The research combines wet-lab cell biology, nanoparticle analysis, high-resolution flow cytometry, optical fingerprinting, mass spectrometry, and multi-omics approaches such as proteomics, lipidomics, and metabolomics. Computational work is also part of the project, including R, Python, Matlab, and AI-enhanced analyses. The position sits within an EU-funded RIA consortium with 10 partners, including industry collaborators, and secondments may be possible.

Applicants should hold a relevant Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field. A background in cell biology, metabolism, immune regulation, or joint biology is preferred, together with strong interest in analytical wet-lab work, multi-omics, and interdisciplinary research. Excellent English at C1 level is required.

The appointment starts with a 12-month contract and can be extended to four years after a successful first-year assessment, with the goal of completing a doctorate. The salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 gross per month (38-hour week), plus holiday pay, year-end bonus, pension, and other employment benefits.

Deadline: 31 October 2026. How to apply: use the “Apply now” button on the Utrecht University vacancy page and submit a CV, motivation letter, and MSc thesis if completed. Interviews are planned for 16 or 18 November, and the intended start date is 1 January 2027.

Funding details

Paid PhD employment for 12 months initially, with extension to a total of four years upon successful first-year assessment and the intent to complete a doctorate within that period. Gross monthly salary is between €3,204 and €4,051 based on a 38-hour working week, plus 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment terms.

What's required

A relevant Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field is required. Applicants should have a solid background in cell biology, metabolism, immune regulation or joint biology, strong interest in fundamental cell biology and wet-lab techniques, enthusiasm for nanoparticle analysis and advanced technologies such as high-resolution flow cytometry and optical fingerprinting, and strong interest in mass spectrometry and multi-omics analyses. Basic proficiency in R, Python, and/or Matlab is expected, along with excellent English skills at C1 level and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary consortium with academic, clinical, engineering, bioinformatics, and industrial partners.

How to apply

Apply via the ‘apply now’ button on the Utrecht University vacancy page. Submit your CV, a motivation letter, and, if completed, a copy of your MSc thesis. The first interview round is planned for November 16 or 18, and the PhD start date is January 1, 2027.

More information can be found here

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