PhD position on: “Advanced polymeric membranes and dialyzers for developing a miniaturized biohybrid kidney system”
Do you want to contribute to the development of a compact Biohybrid kidney device and help improving the lives of patients with End stage kidney disease?
We offer a challenging PhD position at the Advanced Organ Bionengineering and Therapeutics (AOT) group of the BET department.
Within the AOT group, we have a vacancy for a PhD student.
Patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) need kidney replacement therapy (KRT) to survive, but current solutions (dialysis, kidney transplantation) are insufficient. The majority of ESKD patients is dependent on dialysis which places a heavy burden on their life. Removal of uremic toxins there is inadequate. This project aims to develop a miniaturized extracorporeal device that combines artificial and biohybrid kidney functionalities and would pave the way for developing of an implantable artificial kidney device. For achieving this, new types of artificial membranes and membrane dialyzers would be developed and novel cell cultures protocols there would be investigated. Studies of uremic solutes removal from human blood as well as blood compatibility studies should be performed. The project is part of a larger consortium program, entitled Biohybrid Kidney XB, <https://www.health-holland.com/program/BiohybridKidneyXB>
As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the Netherlands. Furthermore, you are expected to actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments and by acting as teaching assistant in courses taught by AOT staff members.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 30-06-2026, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and your motivation to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references.
- A transcript of grades of both your BSc and MSc diploma.
- Letters of recommendation (optional).
Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Dimitrios Stamatialis (d.stamatialis@utwente.nl, phone: +31 53 489 4675).
About the department
The Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics (AOT) group consists of 3 research entities: (1) (Bio)artificial organs (2) Biomaterials and regenerative medicine, (3) Stratified micro engineered systems. Its mission is to provide:
- Innovative technological solutions to patients suffering from chronic diseases to gain a longer, better and healthier life.
- Excellent education to a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge.
This mission is achieved through the application of state-of-the-art technologies at the interface of chemistry, biomaterials and membrane science, additive manufacturing, biofabrication and tissue regeneration. AOT strives to implement innovative technologies from the benchtop to the clinic, and to valorize its findings via initiating new spin-off companies. AOT coordinates a dedicated infrastructural unit on biomaterials and biomedical membranes at the University of Twente:
<https://www.utwente.nl/en/techmed/facilities/bioengineering-labs/biomaterials-biomembranes/>
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.
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