Postdoc Position in Synthetic Cell for Artificial Kidney Development

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.

Your qualities

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.

Our offer

• 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.

About us

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.

Working at the Faculty of Science means bringing together inspiring people across disciplines and with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. The Faculty has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. Together, we work on excellent research and inspiring education. We do so, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Utrecht University is responsible for innovative teaching in the fields of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and it carries out high-quality research, both in the field of pharmaceutical sciences, and in adjacent fields. The research themes chosen are often inspired by social questions, in particular those relating to healthcare. The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences pursues an active policy with regard to the protection and exploitation of knowledge, and also acts as a centre of knowledge for social organisations.

The Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) is the research institute of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. UIPS focuses on processes around discovery, development, and use of drugs and medical nutrition using molecular and technological principles from the Natural and Life Sciences. This research is ideally positioned in the Faculty of Science to work on basic scientific problems and to translate new findings into potential solutions to urgent societal medical needs, which are addressed in the Faculties of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. Every year around 400 peer-reviewed articles are published and around 30 PhD candidates defend their thesis. UIPS is partner in several open source innovation networks.

More information

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.

Apply now

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.

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The application deadline is 2 February 2026.