1. Vacancies
  2. PhD student on Dynamic Disease Maps and Digital Twins for novel treatments of OA with Cartilage Organoids

PhD student on Dynamic Disease Maps and Digital Twins for novel treatments of OA with Cartilage Organoids

Are you passionate about groundbreaking research at the intersection of genetics, stem cell biology, and computational modeling? Join the ROADMAPS project, a cutting-edge initiative aimed at discovering effective, curative treatments for osteoarthritis (OA). We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to develop an in silico dynamic disease map of OA that integrates patient-specific genetic variations. This map will be a key tool for designing more precise and effective OA treatments.

Apply now
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Srirang Manohar
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Jennifer Herek
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Mireille Claessens
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Sonia García Blanco
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Pieter Tuchter
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Marcel Karperien
  • Hi! Are you my
    new colleague?
    Monica Morales Masis

Key takeaways

  • Hours
    40 hr.
  • Salary indication
    Salary gross/monthly
    based on full-time
    € 2,872 - € 3,670
  • Deadline
    15 Dec 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex disease in which multiple tissues in the joint are affected. Recently, multiple OA risk genes were identified based on small genetic variations (SNPs) in the regulatory sequences of these genes. These variations can lead to unfavorable expression of these genes contributing to disease progression. OA patients have different unique combinations of SNPs that lead to OA onset and progression. In this project we will uncover the integrated effects of deviant OA risk gene expression in cartilage with the aim to develop effective disease-modifying therapies. As a PhD student, you will play a central role in this process by building an in silico disease map that models these effects and enables more precise treatments.

You will be part of the multidisciplinary research group of dr. Janine Post, who specializes in quantitative biology and computational approaches to understanding cell fate and is part of the Department of Bioengineering Technologies. This work will be performed in collaboration with prof. dr. Ingrid Meulenbelt of the LUMC, an expert in OA pathophysiology and molecular epidemiology, whose work has significantly advanced our understanding of OA genetics and its clinical implications.

Your profile

You are a highly motivated researcher who is driven by curiosity, and you have:

  • A Master’s degree in in biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, systems biology, genetics, or a related field
  • Strong experimental and theoretical skills in systems biology, computational modeling of networks, or big OMICs data analysis.
  • Strong communication skills with experts in the fields of molecular biology, genetics and mathematical modeling
  • Experience in scripting languages like Python or Matlab
  • A passion for translational research
  • A Master's degree in English

Our offer

  • A 4-year, fully funded PhD position
  • Collaboration with top scientists in OA pathophysiology, genetics, and bioinformatics
  • Cutting-edge research with a potential impact on clinical treatments
  • Salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
  • The monthly salary is € 2.872 in the first year, increasing yearly to € 3.670 in the fourth year.
  • There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
  • A minimum of 29 holidays in case of full-time employment.
  • Free access to sports facilities on campus.

Information and application

For inquiries about this position and our offer you can contact Dr. Janine Post (j.n.post@utwente.nl). An application for this position should be accompanied by:

Share this vacancy

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more?

Post, J.N. (Janine)

Post, J.N. (Janine)
Associate Professor

Post, J.N. (Janine)
Associate Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Janine for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

How to apply

Step 1

Apply.
When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Apply now

Step 2

Selection.
The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview.
The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview.
In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer.
If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer. If applicable, we will sign you up for screening.

Your Colleagues

About the TNW Faculty

Curious about what the Faculty of Science and Technology (TNW) stands for? Check out the Science and Technology website for more information.

job that matters

Create new opportunities for yourself, your colleagues and our society. Scientist or teacher, administrator or facilitator, thinker or doer, energetic leader or silent support – your work at the University of Twente matters. And you too!

  • Our mission
    Human Touch

    At the UT it’s all about people, in line with our university’s High Tech Human Touch philosophy. In everything we do, the well-being and future of our students and staff are paramount. From research and teaching to personnel management, campus management and the use of new technologies.

  • Our mission
    We are a university of technology

    Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

  • Our mission
    We help to strengthen society

    We help society meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. But we are also transparent about what science and technology can and cannot do in finding sustainable solutions. And help translate these solutions into everyday life.

  • Our mission
    We are sustainable

    We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability.
    “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

Browse all jobs