👁️🧬 PhD Position: Animal-Free Biomaterials for Corneal Applications! 👁️🧬
🇳🇱 Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands 🇳🇱
Restore eyesight through stem cell therapies & biomaterials! 🌟✨
Join STEM-CORE - 14 PhDs across 9 European countries funded by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)! 🇪🇺
🎯 The Mission:
Develop animal-free synthetic biomaterials for corneal cell culture using cutting-edge PIC gels & genome editing! 💡
🔬 What you'll do:
▸ Develop new synthetic biomaterials for corneal applications
▸ Work with PIC gels (developed at Radboud!)
▸ Chemistry & analytical labs: make & characterize materials
▸ Cell culture labs: test biomaterials with cells
▸ Use genome editing & in vivo imaging
▸ Collaborate with Prof. Zhou's group (Radboud UMC)
▸ 3D cell biology applications
🌟 STEM-CORE Network:
▸ 14 doctoral candidates across Europe
▸ Interdisciplinary, intersectoral & international research
▸ Joint projects & secondments
▸ Network training activities
▸ Become leading expert in regenerative medicine of the eye
🎓 Comprehensive Training:
▸ Technical skills in stem cells, biomaterials & eye research
▸ Transferable skills: management, leadership, communication
▸ Teaching opportunities (up to 10%)
▸ Career development for meaningful societal impact
💰 Excellent Package:
✅ 4-year full-time position (1.5 year 2.5 year extension)
✅ €3,059 - €3,881 monthly gross salary (38 hrs/week)
✅ 8% holiday allowance 8.3% year-end bonus
✅ Choose 30 OR 41 days annual leave! (instead of statutory 20) 🌴
✅ Flexible working hours & work-from-home options
✅ 34% discount on sports & cultural activities
✅ Excellent pension plan
✅ Training & development schemes
✅ International, friendly environment (70 countries!)
🏛️ About Kouwer Lab:
▸ Specializes in soft materials design
▸ Excellent track record in hydrogels & biomedical applications
▸ Chemists creating new materials cell biologists testing
▸ Part of Department of Synthetic Organic Chemistry
▸ Collaboration with Institute for Molecules & Materials, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
🎓 Requirements:
▸ Master's in Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences, or related (or obtain by start date)
▸ Experience with cell biology (3D cell biology is plus!)
▸ Demonstrated affinity/experience with materials science or chemistry
▸ Curious, critical thinking, open communication, initiative
▸ Team player & independent worker
▸ Excellent English communication (written & verbal)
▸ MSCA mobility: <12 months in Netherlands in past 36 months
✨ Why Radboud?
▸ Groundbreaking research & excellent education
▸ Informal, accessible & welcoming environment
▸ Strong PhD network & social activities
▸ Great support for international researchers
▸ Nijmegen - charming city with easy Netherlands access! 🚲
📅 Deadline: March 8, 2026 ⏰
📍 Interviews: March 12 (1st round), March 24 (2nd round)
🎯 Start: July 1, 2026 (preferred)
📧 Contact: Dr. Paul Kouwer - paul.kouwer@ru.nl
📝 Application: Apply via button (address to Paul Kouwer)
🔗 More info:
phdscanner.com/opportunities…
🔗 STEM-CORE website: Visit for full project details
👉 Ready to develop future eyesight cures? Apply now!
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#EyeResearch #Cornea #Hydrogels #CellBiology #AnimalFree #STEMCORE #ResearchJobs #MaterialsScience