Key Skills

Job Description

We are seeking a highly ambitious and enthusiastic PhD candidate to join the Artegiani & Hendriks group. You will focus on understanding mechanisms of human liver function and disease through in vitro model development and mechanistic studies. About Our Group And Project The Artegiani & Hendriks lab has strong interest in building relevant human in vitro models to understand disease development and progression, focusin on two main organs: the brain and the liver. Part of our research focuses on metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which impairs liver function and predisposes to liver cancer. In this project, you will use human organoids, CRISPR-Cas tools, -omic read-outs such as scRNA-sequencing, and advanced imaging tools to explore the role of metabolism in liver function and disease. This 4-year PhD project is funded by a Vidi grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO). Your profile We are looking for a highly motivated and committed scientist who is excited to address fundamental questions in liver biology. You should have recently completed your MSc education, and have a background in molecular, cellular biology and/or stem cell and developmental biology. Experience with bioinformatic tools or advanced imaging are a pro. We are looking for a talented and highly motivated academic oriented candidate that can work independently while thriving in a multidisciplinary and international research environment. The group and the institute are international, and the work language is English. Our job offer A temporary, full-time PhD position for a total duration of 4 years (36 hours/week), in an ambitious and dynamic team. You will initially be contracted for a period of 1 year, after which your performance will be evaluated, and the contract may be extended for the remaining years. The Princess Máxima Center operates according to the collective labor agreement ‘cao algemene ziekenhuizen’. Your gross monthly salary will be in FWG 45-6 and will include an 8,33% gross monthly salary holiday allowance and 8,33 % end-of-year bonus. The Princess Máxima Center The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is an integrated hospital and research institute, which integrates healthcare, research and education on pediatric cancer, in a single location in Utrecht. Our institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer, with optimal quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe. For more information about the Artegiani & Hendriks lab and research, visit: www.bendellab.com.

Core Responsibilities

Develop human in vitro models and conduct mechanistic studies to understand liver function and disease, with a focus on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Use human organoids, CRISPR-Cas tools, single-cell RNA sequencing, and advanced imaging to investigate how metabolism affects liver function and disease.

Requirements

Applicants should have recently completed a master's degree and have a background in molecular biology, cellular biology, stem cell biology, or developmental biology. Experience with bioinformatics or advanced imaging is an advantage; candidates should be motivated, able to work independently, and comfortable in a multidisciplinary international research environment.

Benefits

• Holiday Allowance
• End-of-Year Bonus