PhD Position: Animal-free matrices for corneal applications (MSCA STEM-CORE)

1. Introduction

Are you passionate about stem cells, biomaterials or eye research? Come and join STEM‑CORE and work with cutting‑edge tools like genome editing and in vivo imaging. Become one of fourteen doctoral candidates across nine 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 skills, 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 Paul Kouwer’s lab, you will develop new synthetic biomaterials for cell culture with corneal applications. You will use PIC gels, which have been developed at Radboud University, but also other synthetic materials. You will spend your working time partly in chemistry and analytical labs making and characterising biomaterials and partly in the cell culture lab, using the gels.

You will closely collaborate with Prof. Zhou’s group at the Radboud university medical center, and with other fellows in the STEM-CORE network 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 life sciences, chemistry or biomolecular sciences, or a related field, or you expect to obtain your Master’s degree by the starting date of the appointment.
• You have experience with cell biology. Experience with 3D cell biology is a plus but not required.
• You have a demonstrated affinity or experience with materials science or chemistry.
• You are curious and enjoy thinking critically, communicating openly and taking 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

The Kouwer Lab specialises in the design, preparation and use of soft materials. We have an excellent track record in the innovative design of hydrogels and their biomedical applications. The group consists of chemists who create new materials and new features in existing hydrogels and cell biologists who use the gels in their experiments. The group is part of the larger Department of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, in which a number of PIs collaborate and share facilities. You will be encouraged to actively participate in networking opportunities at the Institute for Molecules and Materials, the Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences and the Radboud university medical center.

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. 
• 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 Paul Kouwer. 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 Thursday 12 March. Any second interview will take place on Tuesday 24 March. You will preferably start your employment on 1 July 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.