Few organs are as fundamental to mammalian identity and survival as the mammary gland. The human breast is a uniquely dynamic organ, undergoing repeated cycles of development and remodelling across a lifespan. Despite this central role, our understanding of mammary gland biology lags behind that of many other organs. Progress, in for example treating breast cancer, is constrained by the lack of experimental models that faithfully capture the complexity of the human breast.

You will establish organoids from primary human tissue obtained from volunteer donors and optimize critical culture elements (extracellular matrix, microfluidic perfusion, supplementations). Your challenge is to recapitulate key aspects of the in vivo tissue (cell type architecture, branching morphology, hormone responsiveness). In addition, you will exploit these technological refinements to obtain fundamental mechanistic insight into different aspects of the tissue (cancer, lactation).

This position is suited for someone who thrives at the interface of technology development and biological discovery.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Complete and defend a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• Use multiple state-of-the-art experimental approaches to improve human breast organoid culture (including microfluidic perfusion, synthetic hydrogel engineering, confocal microscopy);
• Spearhead troubleshooting, biological interpretation, hypothesis generation and rigorous testing to obtain useful new insights for breast (cancer) biology;
• Perform your experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner and keep accurate records by thoroughly documenting and organising your work;
• Stay on top of the relevant scientific literature;
• Discuss your work in our lab meetings, incorporate feedback and give input to others;
• Assist in teaching and supervise BSc/MSc students during their research internship;
• Participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme.

You will get the opportunity to

• Learn a wide variety of experimental and data analysis techniques;
• Build a network as part of our (inter)national collaborations;
• Present your work at (inter)national meetings;
• Continuously hone your academic, professional and personal skills;
• Contribute to the science communication and outreach activities of the lab.

You work well independently but are also willing to contribute to team efforts. You are a nice colleague with good communication skills. You use your organizational skills to ensure efficient planning and project management, enabling you to meet deadlines. Your work shows that you pay attention to detail, but you also have eye for the bigger conceptual picture. You draw on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills when needed.

Your experience and profile:

• a recent MSc degree in biomedical sciences (or a related area);
• a strong interest in breast (cancer) biology;
• affinity with in vitro modelling, bioengineering, tool development;
• a strong intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research (reflected by your training record);
• willingness to supervise BSc and/or MSc students during their internships;
• fluent in English, both written and spoken.

If you are genuinely excited about this project and willing and able to learn, then we offer you the environment to do so. However, it will work to your advantage if you already have some (hands-on) experience with one or more of the following: organoid/advanced in vitro culture, confocal microscopy, bioengineering, microfluidics.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is Sept 2026, but earlier alternatives can be discussed. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €3.059 in the first year to €3.881 (scale P) in the last year. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Curious about our extensive secondary benefits package? You can read more about it here.