Postdoc Position in Synthetic Cell for Artificial Kidney Development

10 Jan 2026
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Utrecht University

Research Field

Engineering » Biomedical engineering

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

2 Feb 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

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

Join the Divisions of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutics at the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences and contribute to the development of adaptive synthetic cells for dialysis that potentially replaces kidney function.
Your job
Patients whose kidneys fail, unfortunately die within days or weeks without replacement therapy. Current replacement therapies have severe shortcomings. Kidney transplantation is not available for 25% of the patients, while eligible patients wait years for donor kidneys, and recipients require lifelong immunosuppression and experience still complications. Many patients, therefore, depend on dialysis. However, dialysis only mimics the filtration by the glomeruli (biological nanofilters) and does not replace functionality of the kidney tubules. The latter is essential to actively remove metabolic waste/toxins that cannot be cleared via filtration.
Your aim in this position will be to develop synthetic cells that mimic tubular function by integrating transport proteins in lipid membranes. Furthermore, the ultimate long-term goal is to integrate these cells in a dialysis machines.
The objectives for this position are to:

• Formulate synthetic cells with integrated and functional transmembrane organic ion transporters.
• Develop a protein-based sensor for intracellular toxin detection.
• Integrate synthetic cells on dialysis membranes and set the first steps towards prototype development.

You will work in the research groups of Roos Masereeuw (division of Pharmacology) and Tina Vermonden (division of Pharmaceutics), bridging two divisions and fostering interdisciplinary research. As part of this project , you will also be embedded in a consortium, offering strong opportunities for collaboration with scientists and companies working in liposome technology, cell-free protein production, sensor development, clinical nephrology, and medical decision-making.

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/357668/postdoc-position-in-synthetic-c…

Requirements
Specific Requirements

You are an enthusiastic researcher who is eager to learn new techniques, does not shy away from challenges and thrives in a collaborative environment. In addition, you bring the following qualifications:

• a PhD-degree in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology or related discipline;
• demonstrated experience in at least one of the following areas: synthetic cell formulation (e.g. liposome or polymersomes) or cell-free protein expression/engineering;
• experience with or a strong interest in synthetic cells and biomedical device development;
• strong motivation, flexibility, and the ability to run multiple projects simultaneously;
• strong verbal and written English communication skills (C1 level or higher), with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

Additional Information
Benefits

• the position is initially for one year, with the possibility of a three-year extension following a positive evaluation in the first year (total of four years);
• a gross monthly salary, depending on qualifications and experience, between € 3.546 and €5.538 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale 10 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 .

Selection process

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.
If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the "Apply now" button! Please enclose:

• your letter of motivation;
• your Curriculum vitae;
• the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references;
• a copy of your PhD certificate, or a letter from your university stating when your defence will take place.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.
Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them
#FundamentalConnection

Additional comments

For more information, please contact Ronald van Gaal at r.c.vangaal@uu.nl .
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/357668/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Universiteit Utrecht

Country

Netherlands

City

Utrecht

Postal Code

3584CG

Street

Universiteitsweg 99

Geofield

Contact

City

Utrecht

Website

http://www.uu.nl/

Street

Domplein 29

Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED

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