PhD in Biofabrication technologies for in situ control of cellular environments

Faculty: 

Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

Department: 

Department Clinical Sciences

Hours per week: 

36 to 36

Application deadline: 

11 February 2026

Are you interested developing the latest biofabrication technologies and control cellular behaviour directly within living systems and organisms? Join our team at Utrecht University!

You will work in the Malda and Levato research groups, both located within the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht. In particular, you will develop advanced bioprinting technologies (including light-based volumetric and multiphoton printing, as well as magnetic and acoustic field-based techniques) to control cells and materials directly within assembled and in vivo developing (embryonic) tissues. These techniques enable non-invasive, bio-friendly manipulation of cells and their surrounding matrix, allowing investigation of how physical forces and ECM properties drive tissue development, and ultimately regeneration. The key focus includes cardiac and renal tissue engineering. You will adapt techniques established in the lab, and develop new approaches, as well as new methods to deliver bioinks in vivo. By developing organoid culture and biofabrication techniques, you will have a major impact on both developmental biology and regenerative medicine.

You will be performing cutting-edge research and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities both through the Veterinary Clinic and the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (which includes the Utrecht Biofabrication Facility). You will coordinate your work within an (inter)national network of collaborators, while working in an ambitious, motivated, multi-disciplinary team of veterinarians, clinicians, material scientists, biologists, and engineers. Furthermore, you will co-supervise BSc and MSc students during their internships and teaching opportunities will be available. These technologies are highly novel, one-of-a-kind, and the project is expected to result in several highly impactful publications. We offer an exciting opportunity to contribute to an ambitious and research programme within a highly motivated team and to conduct your work at a renowned research university. Teaching opportunities are available, if desired. The project is part of the DRIVE-RM consortium, offering ample opportunities to collaborate with a multidisciplinary network of 24 PhD candidates at Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht, Hubrecht Institute, Maastricht University, and TU Eindhoven.

• You hold an MSc degree in biomedical engineering, biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, materials science, or in a related area.
• You have proven expertise on and experience with bioprinting technologies and with cell and tissue culture.
• You are motivated to apply these technologies for biomedical research and to openly collaborate with a diverse team of biologists, chemists and clinicians.
• You are a quick learner and you thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• You are able to communicate effectively scientific ideas, foster collaboration and independent thinking.
• You are knowledgeable in your field and committed to keep up with the recent advances in the literature.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

• A position for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon a successful assessment;
• a working week of 36 hours and a gross monthly salary between €3,059 and €3,881 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P 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 .

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.

At the Department of Clinical Sciences , you will work alongside approximately 150 veterinarians and a similar number of support staff. Approximately two-thirds of the veterinarians are specialists in various disciplines; the remaining one-third consists of interns, residents and PhD students. Together we are responsible for the education of veterinary students, provision of clinical services to horses and companion animals, and both clinical and more fundamental research in the areas of regenerative medicine, locomotion, genetics and reproduction.

You will be part of the Drive-RM
external link
research consortium, which aims to develop smart, bio-instructive materials that actively guide the body to repair tissues and organs. Further you will work within the Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center, which brings together the largest group of researchers in regenerative medicine in the Netherlands.

For more information, please contact Jos Malda at j.malda@uu.nl or Riccardo Levato at r.levato@uu.nl .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.

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.

To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation, via the ‘apply now’ button.

The application deadline is 11 February 2026.