PhD position in a novel cell secretome-based therapeutics for osteoarthritis

PhD position in a novel cell secretome-based therapeutics for osteoarthritis

Faculty: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department: Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences

Hours per week: 36 to 40

Application deadline: 31 October 2026

Your job

This PhD project will tackle key challenges in developing new therapies based on Extracellular Vesicles(EV)-enriched scretomes. The aim of the research is to develop innovative technologies that can be used to monitor batch-to-batch consistency of EV-based therapeutics, decipher EV- molecular cargo - functional relationships, and identify disease-related signatures in blood and synovial fluid from patients with osteoarthritis. Overall, the project aims to provide new insights and tools for the development of safe, effective, and consistent EV-based therapies.

In this project hands-on analytical wet-lab experiments, including cell biological analyses, multi-omics mass spectrometry and nanoparticle analyses of EV samples, production batches and patients samples, as well as computational methods including AI-enhanced analyses are equally important. Throughout the project, you will develop core skills in fundamental cell biology and metabolism research, in mass spectrometry and integrated multi-omics analysis, and gain insights in the mechanism of action of EV-enriched cell secretome therapy in osteoarthritis. As part of an EU-funded RIA project in a 10-partner consortium including industry partnerships, you will collaborate with partner institutes in The Netherlands and abroad, and secondments are possible.

Your qualities

• A relevant Master’s degree in Biology, Biomedical sciences, Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Biochemistry, or a related field, and a solid background in one or more of the following areas: cell biology, metabolism, immune regulation or joint biology;
• A strong interest in fundamental cell biology and hands-on analytical wet-lab techniques;
• Enthusiasm for nanoparticle analysis and the application of advanced technologies, such as high-resolution flow cytometry and optical fingerprinting;
• A strong interest in mass spectrometry and its applications in metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics. Experience with multi-omics analyses is an advantage;
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, and/or Matlab, with a strong interest in computational methods, including AI-enhanced analyses;
• Excellent skills in writing and speaking English (C1 level);
• Interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research, reaching from fundamental to applied clinical research and from academic to industrial research;
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary research consortium, with strong communication skills and interest to engage effectively with different groups (Academic & Clinical researchers, engineers, bio-informaticians and Industrial partners)

Our offer

• a job for 12 months, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment in the first year, and with the specific intent that it results in a doctorate within this period;
• a working week of 36 - 40 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3.204 and €4.051 (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU)). The salary is based on a 38-hour working week;
• 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 set out in our collective labour agreement, we offer attractive additional benefits, including opportunities for personal and professional growth, flexible leave arrangements, and extra vacation days. Through the UU Terms of Employment Options Model, you can tailor your employment package to your needs. In this way, we encourage you to grow in what you do, both in your work and in your development. Read more about our terms of employment.

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.

The Department of Biomolecular Health Sciences consists of the Divisions of Pathology, Infectious Diseases & Immunology and the Division of Cell Biology, Metabolism and Cancer (CMC), and hosts the centralized research facilities: Centre for Cell Imaging, Flow Cytometry and Cell Sorting and the Metabolism Expertise Center. The research of the Division CMC aims to unravel mechanisms of intra- and extracellular communication of animal cells. This knowledge is used to prevent or to develop better treatments for non-communicable diseases in veterinary and human patients. The Cell Biology section, headed by prof. dr. Marca Wauben, aims to decipher fundamental principles of cell-derived vesicle(EV)-mediated communication in health and disease processes. This research spans from fundamental discovery to translational applications, and the development of cutting-edge technology and methodology for tailored EV-research solutions. The Cancer Metabolism section, headed by prof. dr. Celia Berkers and prof. dr. Bernd Helms, studies metabolic alterations and metabolic cross-talk in cancer, with the aim to identify novel metabolic targets for therapy. To achieve this, the team develops and applies advanced model systems and metabolomic, lipidomics and isotope tracing analyses, combined with biochemical and cell biological approaches.

For more information about the Cell Biology and Cancer Metabolism Sections

Cell Biology - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Utrecht University

Cancer Metabolism - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine - Utrecht University

More information

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Marca Wauben by email m.h.m.wauben@uu.nl or Prof. Celia Berkers by email at c.r.berkers@uu.nl

Please do not send your application letter to this email address.

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

Apply now

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a place where everyone feels at home. We value colleagues with different backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including differences in culture, religion or ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability and age. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute. Read more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. If you have any questions about accessibility, for example regarding your workplace Nieuw Gildestein, the application process or your work, please contact us via our HR contact page.

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 and (if completed) a copy of you Msc thesis via the ‘apply now’ button.

The first round of interviews will take place on November 16 or 18, hybrid or fully online interviews are accommodated. Start of the PhD project is January 1, 2027.

The application deadline is 31 October 2026.