PhD student - Hubrecht Institute - Utrecht

PhD Student Opportunity at the Hubrecht Institute, Utrecht

What you will be doing

In adult mammals, including humans, fibrosis is the predominant response to many forms of tissue injury, unlike many lower vertebrates and invertebrates, where complete tissue repair is the norm. Although scar formation can provide rapid protection by sealing wounds, persistent fibrosis is highly detrimental, undermining tissue recovery, and preventing the tissue from potentially regenerating. This mechanistic ‘choice’ between scarring and regeneration has tremendous therapeutic implications, yet remains an unresolved mystery of biology.

We have recently shown that not all mammals respond like this. Adult spiny mice can tolerate severe ischemic injury to the heart, and while undergoing a potent fibrotic response, gradually recover heart function over time. At the basis of this response is the cardiac fibroblast, a supportive stromal cell that plays a crucial role in the scar-forming process. While we have made significant progress in understanding the biology that separates regenerating from non-regenerating fibroblasts, exact molecular players remain largely unknown.

This project will focus on uncharted aspects of fibroblast identity, their dynamic interplay with the extracellular matrix, and the signalling pathways that mediate communication with cardiac parenchymal cells. You will employ in vitro and in vivo platforms based on the spiny mouse, combined with genetic tools, biochemical assays and single-cell omics.

This is an opportunity to join a team at the forefront of mammalian cardiac tissue repair, and contribute to discoveries with potential impact on our understanding of regeneration and fibrosis. Our institute offers a highly collaborative, ambitious, and supportive research environment with access to excellent facilities and expertise.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated and independent researcher with an MSc degree, a strong collaborative mindset, and a passion for working in an international research environment. A solid background in molecular biology is essential, and expertise in cloning, biochemistry, and cell culture will be regarded as a strong advantage. Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and programming in R or Python is not mandatory but would be considered a valuable asset.

Final application date is November 30th 2025. Suitable candidates might be invited prior to this date. For additional information please contact Dr. Tim Koopmans (t.koopmans@hubrecht.eu) or Prof. Eva van Rooij (e.vanrooij@hubrecht.eu).

About the Hubrecht Institute

The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute focusing on developmental and stem cell biology. At the institute, more than 20 research groups perform fundamental and multidisciplinary research, both in healthy systems and disease models. The Hubrecht Institute is a research institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and is located on the Utrecht Science Park ‘De Uithof’. Since 2008, the institute has been affiliated with the University Medical Center Utrecht, advancing the translation of research into clinical practice. The Hubrecht Institute has a partnership with the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).

Terms of employment

Depending on education and experience the minimum salary is €3,059 and the maximum salary is €3,881 gross per month for a full-time appointment (scale P cao Nederlandse Universiteiten/KNAW). This is exclusive of 8% vacation allowance, 8.3% year-end bonus, travel allowance, internet allowance, home working allowance and pension accrual with ABP.

The KNAW offers its staff an excellent package of secondary benefits. A package that meets the different needs of employees depending on their stage of life, lifestyle or career ambitions. For example, by working an extra two hours a week, it is possible to increase the number of days off from 29 to 41 days a year (with full-time employment).

Applying for a Certificate of Good Conduct can be part of the employment procedure.