PhD Position: Multi-Omics Characterisation of stem cell models for Corneal Regeneration (MSCA STEM-CORE)

1. Introduction

Are you passionate about working with stem cells or stem cell-based biomaterials? And eager to explore cutting-edge technologies like genome editing and in vivo imaging? Or are you perhaps fascinated by eye research and do you have an affinity for molecular, cellular and medical science? If so, come and join our STEM-CORE project and become one of the 14 doctoral candidates recruited from 9 European countries.

2. Job description

STEM-CORE, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, aims to explore strategies to develop stem cell therapies and biomaterials, laying the groundwork for future cures to restore eyesight. As one of the doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE, you will receive comprehensive training to become a leading expert in regenerative medicine of the eye through interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international research. Additionally, you will develop valuable transferable and soft skills such as management, leadership and communication, positioning you for enhanced career opportunities and empowering you to make a meaningful impact on society. For details of STEM-CORE, please visit our website.

In the laboratory of Jo Huiqing Zhou, the coordinator of STEM-CORE, you will characterise stem cells and stem cell-derived tissue models for corneal regeneration through state-of-the-art (single-cell) multi-omics analysis. You will collaborate with other doctoral candidates in STEM-CORE through joint projects, secondments and network training activities. Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your working time. You will also have opportunities to develop your teaching skills.

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

3. Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in molecular or cellular biology, molecular life sciences or a related field, or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree around the starting date of the appointment.
• You have experience in one or more of the following areas: molecular biology and cell biology techniques, generation and analysis of Next Generation Sequencing data, single cell approaches, (mammalian)genomics and gene regulation. Experience in stem cell culture and/or computational analysis is a plus but not required.
• You bring curiosity and enthusiasm, enjoy thinking critically, communicate openly, and take initiative.
• You are able to work in a team as well as independently.
• You have excellent writing and verbal communication skills in English.
• You comply with the MSCA mobility conditions: you have not resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the recruitment date, unless as part of a compulsory national service or a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention. 

4. We are

You will join Dr Jo Huiqing Zhou’s research team at the Department of Molecular Developmental Biology of the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Faculty of Science, Radboud University (Nijmegen, The Netherlands). We offer a first-class international research environment in the regulation of gene expression and epigenetics where state-of-the-art genomic and proteomic technologies and bioinformatics are used. We run Next Generation Sequencers, single-cell platforms and mass spectrometers, and accommodate a bioinformatics team and a local computational infrastructure.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• There may be an opportunity for Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Jo Huiqing Zhou. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

The first interviews will take place on 2 February (online). Any second interview will take place on 23 February (preferably in person). You will preferably start your employment on 1 April 2026.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.