Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) production is a vital process for maintaining a healthy blood system and enabling life-saving treatments like HSC transplantations. Producing HSCs in the laboratory would revolutionize medical treatments by providing transplantation options for nearly all patients in need. Yet, much remains to be learned about the generation and growth of HSCs. Research in this area has faced significant challenges due to limitations in studying the native birthplace of HSCs within embryos in the aorta, and the absence of suitable laboratory models. To overcome these obstacles, we are pioneering an innovative volumetric 3-dimensional bioprinting technology (ultra-fast bioprinting developed in our lab), crafting miniature artificial replicas of the embryonic aorta. We will use our bioprinted tissue to explore how blood flow and haemodynamics, environmental biomechanical and biochemical signals, and various local geometrical changes influence HSC production. Our work will form the foundation for groundbreaking discoveries and will ultimately aid to produce HSCs in our bioprinted and perfusable mini-factories.

This PhD position is part of the multidisciplinary ZonMw Open Competition funded project entitled “b3D-AGM, a bioengineered cradle to produce bona fide hematopoietic stem cells in vitro.

Your challenge within this project is to develop a volumetric 3D bioprinting strategy to replicate the mechanical and chemical environment of the embryonic aorta, simulate different hemodynamic flow profiles in computational and experimental set-ups, and to develop dynamic perfusion and culture regimes, needed for tissue engineering and HSC generation.

• You hold a Master’s degree in biomedical engineering, biophysics, bioengineering, materials science, mechanical engineering or related disciplines.
• Strong interest to collaborate with consortium partners with background in developmental biology.
• Expertise in 3D bioprinting, additive manufacturing and biomaterials.
• Expertise in fluid dynamic simulation and finite element analysis will be positively evaluated.
• Expertise in cell culture and tissue engineering will be positively evaluated.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary research environment and to contribute to team efforts and projects.
• Ability to communicate effectively scientific ideas, foster collaboration and independent thinking.
• Proven proficiency in written and spoken English.

The maximum salary for this position (36 - 36 hours) is € 3.824,00 gross per month based on full-time employment.

In addition, we offer an annual benefit of 8.3%, holiday allowance, travel expenses and career opportunities. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Cao University Medical Centers (UMC).

This position is hosted at Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) and you will be appointed at the Department of Orthopaedics of UMC Utrecht. Our department at the UMC Utrecht is a global leader in the development of novel regenerative technologies, such as 3D (bio)printing, the application of biomaterials and controlled release systems, and novel imaging modalities. The department initiated the Utrecht Biofabrication Facility, a leading European knowledge center that aims at expediting emerging bioprinting technologies in areas of regenerative medicine, 3D in vitro cell culture models and therapeutic treatments. In this research line, the Biofabrication facility has pioneered several technologies to process living cells into spatially organized 3D constructs, and is investigating their applications in regenerative medicine and for the fabrication of advanced in vitro models. You will be closely collaborating with other team members from the Hubrecht Institute, from the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Utrecht University as well as international partners of the Biofabrication research group within the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht.