项目介绍

2026年6月4日

In this PhD position, you will conduct research within the biofabrication team, with a specific focus on developing novel biofabrication and bioprinting technologies to control tissue vascularization. Biofabrication combines advanced 3D fabrication technologies with cells and biomaterials to generate living tissues and human-relevant tissue models.

Your job

In this ERC-funded project, you will join the Levato research group at the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, where you will develop new strategies to vascularize engineered constructs.

This project focuses on developing engineered stem cells and synthetic biology tools to guide tissue-specific vascularization within human organoid-based engineered tissues, and to capture and understand healthy and diseased vascular conditions in the context of diabetes. You will perform cutting-edge research combining synthetic biology strategies, ultra-fast and high-precision light-based volumetric bioprinting technologies, and engineered stem cells. In particular, you will contribute to the development of novel cell engineering and bioprinting strategies to capture, control, and understand dynamic vascular networks and their region- and tissue-specific features. As an initial application, these techniques will be used to investigate blood vessel pathologies associated with diabetes.

You will coordinate your work within an (inter)national network of collaborators while working in an ambitious, motivated, multidisciplinary team of veterinarians, clinicians, materials scientists, biologists, and engineers. You will collaborate with partners at the OMBION Center for Animal-Free Biomedical Translation, taking key steps toward establishing the next generation of human disease models and advancing the translation of regenerative medicine therapies. In addition, you will co-supervise BSc and MSc students during their internships, and teaching opportunities will be available.

Your qualities

• You hold a Master’s degree in biotechnology, synthetic biology, biology, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
• You have proven expertise in cell engineering, molecular biology techniques, and bioengineering.
• Expertise in optogenetics, organoids, and gene editing will be considered an advantage.
• Expertise in vascular cell biology and hydrogels for 3D culture will also be considered an advantage.
• Previous experience with light-based bioprinting, volumetric bioprinting, and/or two-photon polymerization printing will be considered an advantage.
• You are a quick learner and thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• You are able to communicate scientific ideas effectively, foster collaboration and independent thinking, and are motivated to apply these technologies in biomedical research while collaborating openly with a diverse team of biologists, chemists, and clinicians.
• You are knowledgeable in your field and committed to keeping up with recent advances in the literature.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

Our offer

• a position for 12 months, with the possibility of extension to a total of four years following a successful assessment, with the specific aim of obtaining a doctorate within this period.
• a working week of 36 – 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between € 3.059 and €3.881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU));
• 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University also offers a range of its own schemes for employees. This includes arrangements for professional development, various types of leave, and options for sports and cultural activities. You can also tailor your employment conditions through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage you to keep investing in your personal and professional development. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine we train the veterinarians and researchers of the future, provide care for animals and conduct leading and societal relevant research. That is what we are good at. We see that the health and welfare of animals, humans and the environment are interconnected. By sharing our knowledge and working together, we make positive impact, both nationally and internationally. Our 1,500 students and 950 staff members inspire and strengthen each other. Our engagement connects us. The drive to, from an integral perspective, make the world a better place.

You will be part of the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and receive training, supervision, and guidance for both your research and your personal and professional development, providing an excellent foundation for an independent academic career.

Clinical Sciences

At the Department of Clinical Sciences, you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD students. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

More information

For more information, please contact Riccardo Levato at r.levato@uu.nl

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

Knowledge security screening can be part of the selection procedures of academic staff. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 23 June 2026.