PhD Precision Repair of Donor Livers During Machine Perfusion

Make more donor livers transplantable through cutting-edge transplantation research

Improving the quality and availability of donor organs is one of the greatest challenges in modern transplantation. At the University of Groningen and UMCG, you will contribute to the development of next-generation technologies aimed at assessing, protecting, and repairing donor livers before transplantation. This PhD project is embedded within the multidisciplinary CRISPR-CRYSTAL consortium, bringing together experts in transplantation, nanotechnology, quantum sensing, mitochondrial medicine, and epigenetic editing. The project combines fundamental science with a clear path toward clinical translation, offering the opportunity to make a direct impact on patient care.

About your role
During machine perfusion, donor livers can be maintained outside the body, creating a unique opportunity to assess organ quality and deliver targeted therapies before transplantation. In this PhD project, you will develop and evaluate innovative strategies to detect, prevent, and repair oxidative stress–associated injury in high-risk donor livers.

The project integrates three complementary approaches:

• real-time quantum nanodiamond sensing of oxidative stress;
• mitochondrial protection using the clinical-stage compound SUL-238;
• CRISPR-based epigenetic editing delivered via lipid nanoparticles;

Using a combination of cell models and human donor livers, you will investigate how these technologies can improve organ quality and increase the number of transplantable donor livers.

Your main responsibilities

• Performing (long-term) ex vivo liver perfusion experiments using hypothermic and normothermic machine perfusion platforms.
• Evaluating mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and liver viability during perfusion.
• Testing nanoparticle-based delivery systems and CRISPR-based epigenetic therapies.
• Analyzing and interpreting experimental data and presenting findings at scientific meetings.
• Collaborating closely with academic and industrial consortium partners.
• Contributing to scientific publications and ensuring that the research results in a PhD thesis.

About your workplace

The project will be conducted within the Department of Surgery at the University Medical Center Groningen, one of Europe's leading centers for machine perfusion and transplantation research. The UMCG performs pioneering research on donor organ preservation, viability assessment, and organ repair. This position is part of the University of Groningen PhD program. You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and collaborate closely with consortium partners QT Sense and Sulfateq. QT Sense develops quantum sensing technologies based on fluorescent nanodiamonds, while Sulfateq develops mitochondrial-targeted therapeutics. Together, these partners provide a unique ecosystem that combines academic excellence with industrial innovation. The project offers access to state-of-the-art perfusion facilities, advanced molecular biology laboratories, platforms, and unique human donor organ models. You will become part of an international team of clinicians, molecular biologists, pharmaceutical and translational scientists working to redefine the future of transplantation.

About you

We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in organ transplantation and ex situ machine perfusion, regenerative medicine, and translational biomedical research. You enjoy experimental work, can work independently, and are eager to collaborate across disciplines.
You have:

• a Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences/Engineering, Biology, Medicine, Pharmacy, or a related field;
• an interest in organ transplantation and machine perfusion;
• strong analytical and organizational skills;
• excellent communication skills in English;
• affinity with translational and interdisciplinary research;
• basic laboratory skills, including pipetting, cell culture, and molecular biology techniques, or a willingness to acquire these skills;
• a proactive, independent, and collaborative working style.

Experience with organ perfusion, nanoparticle delivery, CRISPR technologies, is considered an advantage but is not required.

What do we offer

• A 3-year PhD position for 28.8 hours per week (0.8 FTE), with the possibility of extension subject to additional funding.
• A gross monthly salary starting at € 3217 on a full-time appointment (scale PRO, CAO UMC)
• The opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of transplantation, regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and gene therapy.
• Publication of research findings in leading international peer-reviewed journals.
• Presentation of results at national and international scientific conferences.
• Access to relevant training courses and opportunities for personal and professional development.
• 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).

As a PhD candidate at the UMCG, you will work in a stimulating and collaborative environment where scientific discovery is directly linked to improving patient outcomes.

More information
For additional information about the project, please contact Leonie van Leeuwen [email protected]

For questions about the position

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