Mechatronics Engineer Cryogenic Kidney Preservation

What you will be doing

• Develop and maintain 3D models, assemblies, and mechanical layouts for the perfusion test stand.
• Prepare design documentation that supports workshop build and prototype iteration (interfaces, tolerances, BOM-style lists as needed).
• Update models when the system architecture evolves in design reviews with the PhD researchers, postdoc, and project leads.
• Export and hand off geometry for simulation and manufacturing when required (e.g. STEP).
• Collaborate with the PhD researchers, postdoc, and European partners as a practical engineering counterpart.
• You will live in Groningen, Netherlands and mainly work in-person at the UMCG’s Surgical Research Laboratory, but also several weeks each year at the facilities of the ZHAW in Zürich, Switzerland.

About the project

Join a competitively funded international research collaboration tackling one of the biggest challenges in organ transplantation: extending organ preservation time through cryogenic technology. You will work on the mechanical design of an advanced experimental test stand for kidney perfusion under cryogenic conditions, alongside our PhD researchers, postdoc, and project leads.

Why this research matters
Current organ preservation methods limit storage to hours. Cryogenic preservation could extend this to days, weeks, or even months, transforming global organ logistics, reducing waste, and saving countless lives.

What do we ask

Education: Master’s in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Electrical, or Biomedical Engineering (Bachelor’s with strong build experience also welcome).

Skills

• Confident 3D mechanical CAD and assembly practice (CATIA / 3DEXPERIENCE preferred).
• Hands-on experience building or assembling mechanical prototypes (workshop, test stands, or lab setups).

Nice to have

• Hardware–software integration, DAQ, or control software.
• Knowledge of fluid and thermal systems (pumps, flow, temperature control).
• ANSYS or other simulation experience.

Important attributes: Flexible, proactive, communicative and collaborative.

What do we offer

An inspiring job as a Mechatronics Engineer, within a very active and international research group, centered around the UMCG’s Surgical Research Laboratory and in close collaboration with the ZHAW in Zürich, Switzerland. The UMCG is a global leader in organ perfusion research, offering expert lab and clinical facilities for ex vivo organ perfusion and the development of associated technology. The ZHAW has excellent facilities for engineering, CAD, and prototyping and will co-supervise the engineering part of this ambitious research project. Your appointment, to start between December 2026 and February 2027, will be for the duration of 2 years at the UMCG, comprising 28.8-36 hours per week (0.8-1.0 fte), with a monthly salary between €3,897,- and €5,341,- depending on relevant expertise and work experience. Additionally, the UMCG offers an 8% holiday allowance, an 8.3% year-end bonus.The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Links
Curious about our research? Take a look at this vacancy in the research theme Organ Donation and Transplantation.

For questions about the position

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