PhD candidate position: Innovations in new approach methodologies for cartilage biology

Welcome to Maastricht University! 

Are you passionate about transforming biomedical research and making an impact on musculoskeletal research? Do you want to play a key role in advancing human-based alternatives to animal models in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis research? Do you like to develop and validate new assays and models in cartilage biology? 

PhD student position: Innovations in new approach methodologies for cartilage biology

• Our goal: At the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Maastricht University, we are driven by one mission: to improve mobility and quality of life through innovative clinical care, research, and education.
• Your colleagues: The Molecular Cartilage Biology research group (Lead: Prof. Dr. Tim Welting) at the Laboratory for Experimental Orthopedics pushes boundaries in disease modeling, biomolecular therapies, and patient-specific diagnostics for osteoarthritis.

Why This Project Matters 

Osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent and disabling chronic conditions worldwide. No effective drug treatments currently exist due to the poor predictive power of small animal models. Ombion (https://site.ombion-cpbt.nl/) – a national initiative funded by the Nationaal Groeifonds (NGF) – is focused on replacing animal testing with innovative, human-based cell culture models that better predict therapy responsiveness. This Ombion project brings together top-tier academic institutions (Maastricht University, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Utrecht University, UMC Utrecht) and industry partners to revolutionize preclinical research in musculoskeletal disease.

Within Ombion our Osteoarthritis/Rheumatoid Arthritis Transition Project, led by Prof. Dr. Tim Welting, aims to develop validated human-based in vitro cell culture models in 2D and 3D (on chip technologies). These culture models will be developed in a manner that makes then compatible with different levels of musculoskeletal biomedical research: from high-throughput assays instrumental for drug discovery programs to advanced organoid-like models for disease modelling. This PhD student vacancy specifically relates to the work package, led by Dr. Marjolein Caron, in which various culture models and measurement methods will be developed focused on cartilage cells and tissues for the purpose of target identification, drug screenings, response-to-treatment, toxicity, patient stratification, and diagnostics. These models will be developed in 2D and 3D to simulate the different levels of biological complexity within the joint cartilage tissue. These new approach methodologies (NAMs) will be used to generate preclinical data that reduce the need for animal testing and may be adopted by regulatory agencies. The development of these models will be catalysed by the unique availability of a large collection of primary patient cartilage cells, cartilage cell lines and cartilage tissue present in our department.

What you do

We are looking for a driven and organized PhD student (work package 3) with a background in biomedical or life sciences. You will play a crucial role in this ambitious project, helping to shift the paradigm in translational orthopedic research.
 

Key responsibilities:

• Designing and conducting laboratory experiments.
• Analyzing experimental data generated in the lab & published datasets.
• Co-authoring academic publications with the supervisory team.
• Presenting your work at (international) conferences and workshops.
• Collaborating closely with Ombion project members.
• Contributing to teaching activities such as tutoring or supervising internship students. 

Are you ready to set the course for the years ahead? Then we’d love to meet you.

What you bring 

We’re not looking for checkboxes; we’re interested in who you are and what you bring. Do you recognize yourself in this?

• MSc in biomedical or life sciences (required).
• Laboratory experience (e.g. cell culture, gene & expression measurements).
• A keen interest in contributing to scientific innovation in human disease modelling.
• Ability to translate complex scientific content into actionable plans.
• Contribute to laboratory-based research in molecular cartilage biology.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Enthusiasm for translational research.

What we offer
At Maastricht University, you’ll work in an international, open, and engaged environment. We offer:

• A dynamic and collaborative research environment.
• The opportunity to drive impactful, real-world biomedical innovation.
• Involvement in a nationally recognized, transformative initiative.
• A competitive salary and benefits package according to university standards.
• A 12-month contract with a scope of 1,0 FTE with the prospect of a 3 year extension, based on a positive evaluation and mutual satisfaction. 
• A gross monthly salary between €3059,00 and €3881,00 (based on full-time employment of 38 hours per week). 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. 
• 29 vacation days (based on full-time), four additional days off (Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Good Friday, and Liberation Day), and the possibility to accrue up to 12 extra days through compensation hours. 
• Flexible working hours, a home office allowance, and the option to partly from home if the nature of your position allows it. 
• Freedom and space to shape your work independently and develop your ideas. 
• A close-knit community of colleagues to collaborate and grow with. 
• A solid pension plan via ABP, company fitness schemes, and access to various university sports facilities. 
• An inspiring work environment in the heart of Europe.

About the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (FHML)

FHML is committed to health in the broadest sense: from molecule to human, and from healthcare to prevention. We train healthcare professionals and researchers through innovative educational programmes and conduct groundbreaking research in health and well-being. As part of Maastricht UMC+ (MUMC+), our international and interdisciplinary community forms a unique collaboration between university and academic hospital, where education, research, and care come together.

About CAPHRI – Care and Public Health Research Institute 

CAPHRI works towards better health for everyone through innovative solutions for healthcare and public health care. CAPHRI builds bridges between science and society by conducting research with an inclusive and participatory approach. The research focuses on prevention and innovation ranging from public - and primary health care, to person-oriented long-term care. 

Our research has a strong multidisciplinary approach with attention to local, regional and global themes embedded in six research lines: Ageing and Long-Term Care, Creating Value-Based Health Care, Functioning, Participation and Rehabilitation, Health Inequities and Societal Participation, Optimising Patient Care; and Promoting Health and Personalised Care. 
Working at CAPHRI means being engaged in an active and inspiring academic setting and making a real contribution to the improvement of care and public health. CAPHRI attracts top scientists from around the world and is known for its comprehensive PhD training programme for young talented scientists. 

Interested? 
Want to know more about this position or what it’s like to work at our university? Reach out to Dr. Marjolein Caron at marjolein.caron@maastrichtuniversity.nl or Prof. Dr. Tim Welting at t.welting@maastrichtuniversity.nl. 

• Apply for this position, no later than February 1, 2026, by using the button below.  
• Please upload your CV, motivation letter, Master grade list, contact information of 2 referees and publication list. 
• The first interviews preferably take place (digitally) in week 7 (February 9-13, 2026). A second round of interviews will follow soon after and will be held in person at Maastricht University’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery in Maastricht.
• A reference check will be part of the application procedure. 
• An assessment will be part of the application procedure. 

We look forward to getting to know you!

About Maastricht University

At Maastricht University, we collaboratively seek solutions to help move the world forward. We do this with 23,300 students and 5,400 employees across 5 regional locations, 6 faculties, and more than 70 research institutes. We encourage you to push boundaries and discover new opportunities for yourself and the world around you. Together, we can find the answers for tomorrow. 

The vacancy is open for internal and external candidates. In case of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be prioritized.

At Maastricht University, we prefer to contact potential candidates directly. We therefore kindly ask that no agencies or intermediaries submit offers or approaches.

Maastricht University is committed to promoting and nurturing a diverse and inclusive community. We believe that diversity in our staff and student population contributes to the quality of research and education at UM, and strive to enable this through inclusive policies and innovative projects led by teams of staff and students. We encourage you to apply for this position.