Your project, which is part of an EU-funded consortium project, will focus on the use of bioprinted cells with guiding structures to direct tissue self-organization, recapitulating the different stages of in vivo organogenesis and microenvironmental signals known to direct tissue-specific differentiation. The project aims to develop and converge novel bioprinting platforms with closed-loop process monitoring and capable of spatially patterning microtissues, or cartilage “organoids” into scaled-up, personalised load-bearing grafts and guiding their (re)modelling into fully functional tissues in in vivo environments. This will be achieved using a converged bioprinting process capable of rapidly depositing cells or microtissues into guiding scaffold structures with high spatial resolution.

You will be performing cutting-edge research and will have access to state-of-the-art facilities both through the Orthopedic clinic at the UMC Utrecht 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 clinicians, veterinarians, materials scientists, biologists, and engineers. Further, you will co-supervise master and bachelor students during their internships and teaching opportunities will be available. You will be part of the Utrecht Graduate School of Life Sciences and will receive training, supervision, and guidance for both your research work and personal/professional development, which provides you with an excellent basis for an independent academic career.

• You hold a Master’s degree in biofabrication, (biomedical) engineering or a related field.
• You have a strong proven interest in biofabrication technologies (such as extrusion- or light-based printing and melt electrowrting), which should be specifically highlighted in your application letter.
• You are curious, motivated, goal-oriented, eager to learn, and thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment. You are able to tackle challenges in an effective manner, also when this requires a creative/non-conventional approach.
• You are able to work independently, but also in a team. You can connect and collaborate with our partners.
• You can communicate scientific ideas and results effectively. Proven proficiency in written and spoken English is required.

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 the Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht (RMCU) and you will be appointed at the Department of Orthopedics of the UMC Utrecht. Located at the Utrecht Science Park, the RMCU brings together the largest group of researchers in regenerative medicine in the Netherlands, who closely work together to translate scientific and technological discoveries into patient benefit. The Department of Orthopedics at the UMC Utrecht is a global leader in the development and application of novel regenerative technologies, such as cell-based therapies, 3D (bio)printing, and the application of biomaterials and controlled release systems.