Cardiovascular Tissue Regeneration

ESR project

2.2

Title of project

Validating organ-on-chip models for further implementation

We offered

A 4-year PhD student position in the interdisciplinary area of regenerative medicine. The goal of this project is to investigate the potential of 3-dimensional organ cultures as predictive screening systems in drug development.

Department

You will be based in the group of Prof. Roos Masereeuw of the Division of Pharmacology at the Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS) of the Science Faculty at Utrecht University, and affiliated to the Advanced In vitro Models (U-AIM)Hub within the framework of Utrecht Life Sciences (ULS). U-AIM aims to become a leading center of expertise on identification, development, validation, valorization and implementation of in vitro models for diagnostics, models of disease and models for compound (chemical, pharmaceutical) disposition and safety testing that will serve as alternatives to animal experimentation. The project will be carried out in close cooperation with Prof. Bert Leufkens of the Clinical Pharmacology and Epidemiology division of UIPS.

Description

The PhD-student’s task is making a portfolio/inventory of available models within ULS that fit with industry needs and of high potential models currently being developed. The student will identify high potential advanced in vitro models and develop a validation strategy for their structured use and testing for regulatory acceptance. Based on findings, guidance documents will be developed providing information on method characteristics and ethical and regulatory aspects. Finally, the student will assess which dissemination strategies are most appropriate to position the in vitro models as alternatives for animal experimentation in collaboration will be discussed with key stakeholders (regulatory, industry, scientists).

Contact person & more information

Prof. dr. Roos Masereeuw, Utrecht Universitiy
r.masereeuw@uu.nl

RESCUE

This project is part of RESCUE, a multidisciplinary, intersectoral and interdisciplinary PhD training programme in Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells organised by UMC Utrecht (coordinator) and Utrecht University. RESCUE is partly funded by the European Commission under Horizon 2020's Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND scheme. There are specific requirements with regards to English language and mobility for candidates who would like to take part in this programme. More information