Sr. R&D Biologist
Key Skills
Job Description
Build and translate human stem cell-derived yolk sac models for early organogenesis and scalable in vitro applications. Are you an experienced cell and developmental biologist who combines deep expertise in pluripotent stem cells, organoids and early embryonic development with a practical drive to build robust, reproducible models? ReGEN Biomedical is opening an international position in Maastricht. We develop biology-first in vitro models inspired by the human yolk sac. The work focuses on generating, characterizing and scaling yolk sac organoids and there-off derived cellular structures to study early hematopoietic development and enable future disease-modeling, screening and translational applications. The role sits at the interface of developmental biology, organoid engineering and process development. We are looking for As Sr. R&D Biologist – Yolk Sac Organoid Models, you will take hands-on scientific responsibility for the development and maturation of VitelleX yolk sac model systems. You will design and execute experiments, convert developmental biology into reproducible protocols and help translate research-stage models toward robust application-ready workflows. · Develop and optimize human pluripotent stem cell-derived yolk sac organoids. · Design co-development and assembloid studies that connect yolk sac biology with relevant embryonic or organ-specific tissues. · Establish scalable, trackable culture workflows using microwell arrays or comparable controlled 3D culture platforms. · Characterize model identity, development and function using imaging, histology, flow cytometry, gene-expression and protein-based assays. · Develop quantitative quality criteria, experimental controls and reproducibility standards across batches. · Translate exploratory biology into documented protocols, work instructions and development reports suitable for collaborative and commercial projects. · Interpret data, troubleshoot complex biological variability and propose clear next experiments and project decisions. · Support supervision and practical training of junior researchers and students. · Provide occasional weekend support for time-sensitive cell cultures, with flexibility during weekdays by agreement. We ask for · PhD in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering or a closely related discipline. · At least 4 years of hands-on research experience with human or mouse pluripotent stem cells and complex 3D stem cell-derived models; postdoctoral or equivalent industrial experience is preferred. · Demonstrated hands-on experience developing organoids, embryo models or assembloids related to early embryonic or extraembryonic development. · Demonstrated expertise in yolk sac or embryo-model development. Direct experience generating yolk sac organoids from pluripotent stem cells is strongly preferred. · Experience with controlled 3D culture platforms such as agarose or thermoformed microwell arrays, including protocol optimization for throughput, tracking and reproducibility. · Experience with relevant differentiation lineages, preferably including erythroid, lymphoid, macrophage, cardiac, endothelial or mesenchymal lineages. · Strong practical command of immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry, live and confocal microscopy, histological processing, flow cytometry, qPCR and protein assays. · Experience with experimental design, data analysis, scientific reporting and the preparation of manuscripts, project reports or presentations. · Experience bridging fundamental developmental biology with translational, screening or commercial applications is a strong plus. · Excellent English communication skills and the ability to work effectively in an international, multidisciplinary environment. Personal competences · Independent, hands-on and scientifically rigorous, while actively collaborating with colleagues. · Structured and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on traceability and reproducibility. · Analytical and resilient when troubleshooting complex cell and organoid systems. · Able to prioritize experiments and translate biological questions into practical development plans. · Comfortable presenting complex research clearly to both specialist and non-specialist audiences. · Available for 38 hours per week and willing to work predominantly on site in Maastricht. We offer A challenging position with great responsibility in an environment that is constantly changing, a pleasant working atmosphere and an open culture. The position is versatile, offers plenty of opportunities for further development and provides the opportunity to put your own stamp on it. The position is based in Maastricht. If suitability is demonstrated, an appropriate salary will be offered for the position, depending on education and experience. For more information about this role, you can contact Dr. Tom Mastenbroek ([email protected]) Apply To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to [email protected] This position is open till 24th November 2026, or until the position is filled. Interviews will be scheduled as soon as we receive a few suitable applications, so please apply immediately. About us ReGEN Biomedical is a startup company with a small and talented team, that is building a production location for human tissue in Maastricht and in parallel develops and will manufacture dedicated equipmwent for automated manufacturing. It focuses on growing large quantities of robust and reproducible small tissue pieces (micro-tissues) for toxicity & pharma screening. Functional micro-tissues represent the next step in mimicking patient organs and represent the future of personalized medicine. We are building expertise on how to assemble the micro-tissues into functional pieces of human organs, the so-called macro-tissues. The micro-tissues also serve as building blocks for RM therapies and will be assembled into functional macro-tissues.
Core Responsibilities
Develop, characterize, and scale human pluripotent stem cell-derived yolk sac organoids and related models, including co-development studies and controlled 3D culture workflows. Establish reproducible protocols and quality criteria, analyze and troubleshoot results, document development work, and support junior researchers.
Requirements
A PhD in cell biology, developmental biology, stem cell biology, tissue engineering, or a related discipline is required, along with at least four years of hands-on experience with pluripotent stem cells and complex 3D models. Candidates should have experience developing organoids, embryo models, or assembloids, strong practical skills in relevant imaging and cellular assays, and the ability to produce rigorous, reproducible research and communicate effectively in English.
Benefits
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Pleasant Working Atmosphere
- Open Culture
About ReGEN Biomedical
Industry: Biotechnology Research
Company size: 2-10 employees
ReGEN Biomedical focusses on growing large amounts of robust and reproducible small pieces of tissue (micro tissues) for toxicity- & pharma-screening. Functional micro-tissues present the next step in mimicking patient organs and represent the future of personalized medicine. We are building expertise on how to assemble the micro-tissues into functional pieces of human organs, so-called macro-tissues. The micro tissues also serve as building blocks for RM-therapies and will be assembled into functional macro tissues. It is the aim to fully automate all production platforms and equip these with advanced appropriate offline and inline quality control systems. The platform technology also enables this initiative to realize sales and licensing for specific drug screening opportunities and ex vivo disease models. The large-scale production is one of the foundations of the development of a new (manufacturing) industry around affordable Regenerative Medicine solutions.