PhD position in human liver organoid modelling

Prinses Máxima Centrum; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Prinses Máxima Centrum invites applications for a highly motivated PhD candidate to study human liver function and disease using in vitro organoid models and mechanistic studies. You will apply CRISPR-Cas tools, omics readouts, and advanced imaging within a collaborative group.

The 4-year project is hosted in an international lab focused on pediatric oncology, with English as the working language and a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary training and scientific excellence.

Qualifications

• MSc completed in a biology related field or equivalent
• Strong background in molecular/cellular biology and stem cell biology
• Experience with internships in competitive institutions preferred
• Bioinformatic or imaging experience is a plus

Responsibilities

• Develop human liver in vitro models to study function and disease
• Work with organoids, CRISPR-Cas, and omics readouts to investigate metabolism
• Conduct mechanistic experiments and generate publishable data
• Collaborate in an international, multidisciplinary research environment

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell biology

Stem cell biology

Independent work

Education

MSc in relevant field

Tools

Bioinformatics tools

Advanced imaging tools

Organoid culture

Job description

Organisation/Company Prinses Máxima Centrum Research Field Biological sciences » Biology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 30 Nov 2026 - 00:30 (Europe/Amsterdam) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer 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, and has internship experience in competitive institutions.

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.

The Princess Máxima Center
The Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology is a research hospital concentrating healthcare, research, and education of pediatric cancer in a single location in Utrecht. The institute aims to provide the highest level of care for all children with cancer and has the ambition to cure all children of cancer and improve quality of life. The center brings together the best possible care and scientific research, creating a unique interdisciplinary institute for pediatric oncology in Europe.