PhD candidate positions for developing Disease Models for Cystic Fibrosis and Intestinal Inflammation | 36 hours

The Cellular Disease Model Lab at UMC Utrecht is looking for two enthusiastic PhD candidates for innovative, clinically relevant research. Apply now and make an impact!

PhD candidate positions for developing Disease Models for Cystic Fibrosis and Intestinal Inflammation

• Master / WO
• 36 hours per week
• between € 3.017 and € 3.824
• Closing date 18-3-2025

Improving people’s care and health every day

Good working conditions

We believe it is important to continuously develop yourself

What are you going to do

The Cellular Disease Model (CDM) Lab at UMC Utrecht is looking for two enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidates to join our research team. Our lab focuses on various genetic diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF) and its associated complications, such as inflammation and cancer. To address key research questions, we use state-of-the-art epithelial models, including patient-derived intestinal organoids.

PhD Position 1: Disease Modeling of CF and Intestinal Inflammation

In collaboration with the Center for Translational Immunology (CTI), this project focuses on developing cutting-edge primary cell culture models to study CF and intestinal inflammation—both as separate entities (colitis) and in their interaction.

In the context of non-CF-associated inflammation (colitis), we will further refine primary epithelial culture models, including the development of epithelial-immune cell co-cultures. These models will help us explore interactions between intestinal epithelial cells and patient-derived immune cells, as well as their impact on potential treatment targets.

Additionally, we will investigate inflammation and (colorectal) cancer development in the context of CF.

This project bridges fundamental and translational research, combining state-of-the-art disease modeling with in-depth studies on CF biology, colitis, inflammation, and cancer.

PhD Position 2: Optimizing Drug Therapies for Rare CFTR Mutations

While highly effective modulator therapies (HEMT) have revolutionized CF care, patients with rare CFTR mutations often lack effective treatment options. This PhD project focuses on identifying and optimizing novel drug combinations to restore CFTR function in underrepresented and ultra-rare CFTR mutation classes.

Another key aspect of this project is improving current culture models by further standardization and replacing animal-derived materials (such as Matrigel) with animal-free alternatives. This work will be conducted in collaboration with the Center for Animal-Free Innovations (CPBT), an institute dedicated to developing complex, disease-relevant, animal-free research systems.

The project will involve high-throughput drug screening, organoid-based functional assays, and advanced molecular characterization to develop targeted therapies for specific CFTR mutation classes.

As a PhD candidate, you will work with advanced in vitro and molecular biology techniques, including:

• Primary cell culture & patient-derived organoids (PDIOs).
• CRISPR-based genome editing.
• Functional assays for CFTR activity.
• Advanced imaging.
• Transcriptomics and proteomics approaches.
• Immunological profiling and inflammatory signaling analyses (specific to PhD position 1).
• High-throughput screening (specific to PhD position 2).

This is where you will work

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening genetic disease affecting multiple organs, with a significant impact on epithelial biology. Our group has pioneered the development of patient-derived intestinal organoid (PDIO) models, which are currently being evaluated as an EMA-approved diagnostic tool.

In upcoming studies, we aim to further develop these advanced cellular disease models and preclinical assays to optimize next-generation models for (ultra) high-throughput drug screening. Additionally, we seek to address open questions about CFTR biology, particularly regarding inflammation and epithelial dysfunction.

Your profile

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in biomedical sciences, molecular biology, immunology, or a related field.
• Experience with primary cell culture and/or immune cell culture (strong advantage).
• Interest in epithelial cell biology, inflammation, and cancer development.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Excellent English communication skills (both written and spoken).

Are you interested in joining our research team? Please submit your application, including:

• A motivation letter.
• A CV detailing your relevant research experience.
• Contact details of at least two academic referees.

We have two vacancies. With this single application, you will apply for both positions. During the interview, we will discuss which position could be the best fit for you. If you have a clear preference for one of the two roles, please mention this (and the underlying motivation) in your application letter.

For specific questions, please contact Erika van Nieuwenhove & Sacha Spelier at e.vannieuwenhove@umcutrecht.nl & a.spelier-2@umcutrecht.nl.

We look forward to your application!

We offer you

• A salary between €3017 and €3824 gross per month (salary scale OIO), based on full-time employment.
• Salary increase of 3% from July 2025, according to the collective labor agreement (cao).
• Year-end bonus of 8.3% and holiday allowance of 8%.
• Pension insurance with ABP. We take care of approximately 70% of the monthly contribution.
• 100% public transport reimbursement. Are you coming on foot, by bike or by car? You will then receive a reimbursement of € 0.18 per km (by car up to a max. of 40 km one way).
• Possibilities to develop yourself personally and professionally.
• The option to select additional employment benefits in exchange for gross salary, such as purchasing a bicycle and memberships.