PhD candidate Genetic Susceptibility in Stem Cell-Derived Organoid Safety Testing
Universiteit LeidenJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Leiden University seeks a PhD candidate for Genetic Susceptibility in Stem Cell Derived Organoid Safety Testing, a four year full-time position in the Faculty of Science. The project uses human iPSCs with CRISPR and detection tools to map how genetic variation shapes toxicodynamic responses for safety testing. The ideal candidate has an MSc in (Bio)pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Biology and experience with iPSC culture, 3D systems, molecular biology, gene editing, microscopy, and data analysis, plus an interest in bioinformatics and strong English writing. Application tips: tailor your motivation to safety impact, document your iPSC/3D work, provide two reference letters and transcripts, and apply before 21 August 2026 for a fall start; inquiries to Dr. Marije Niemeijer.
Teaser Text
The Faculty of Science and the Division of Cell Systems and Drug Safety is looking for a:
PhD candidate Genetic Susceptibility in Stem Cell-Derived Organoid Safety Testing
Why do people respond differently to harmful substances, and why are some individuals more sensitive to organ damage? This PhD project addresses these fundamental questions by investigating human toxicodynamic variability; the differences in how cells respond to chemical stress. These differences are partly driven by genetic variation, which influences cellular pathways involved in toxicity. Understanding this variation is essential for developing future safety testing strategies that reflect real human diversity.
What you will do
In this project, you will work with human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and primary cells derived from donors with different (genetic) backgrounds. By differentiating these stem cells into organ specific cell types and 3D organoids together with CRISPR technology, you will study how genetic variants shape cellular responses to chemical exposure. Combined with advanced detection tools that visualize cellular stress responses, this approach allows you to map how individual’s background translate into toxicodynamic variability.
The project serves as a proof of concept for integrating human variability into next‑generation in vitro safety testing. The knowledge generated will contribute to more accurate risk estimation and support the development of chemical safety assessments that better reflect human diversity.
What you bring
- MSc in (Bio)-pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences or Biology
- Expertise in (human) induced pluripotent stem cell culture, 3D in vitro systems, molecular and cell biology, gene editing, microscopy, cell signaling
- Interest in bioinformatics
- Written and oral proficiency in English
- Excellent scientific writing skills
- Enthusiastic and ambitious
- Independent thinker
- Team player
Where you will work
For more information, see: https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science
What we offer
We offer a full-time (1.0 FTE, 38 hours) 4-year term position. Salary range from € 3.059,- to € 3.881,- gross per month (PhD student, pay scale P) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. We aim to employ more women in areas where they are underrepresented. Women are therefore especially invited to apply.
Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information about employment conditions, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions
What we value
Promoting an inclusive community is central to Leiden University’s values and vision. We strive to be an open community in which all students and staff members feel valued and respected, and are able to fully develop themselves. We consider an inclusive academic environment, where students and staff can share their experiences and viewpoints, to be essential for the development of talent.
Want to apply or find out more?
Enquiries can be made to Dr. Marije Niemeijer ([email protected]; +31 71 5275919). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact the secretariat of the Division of Cell Systems and Drug Safety, Marjolijn Lugthart ([email protected]; +31 71 5276270). Information about the faculty of science can be found at http://www.science.leidenuniv.nl/index.php/english/ and about Leiden University at http://www.vacancies.leiden.edu/.
To apply for this vacancy, please submit your application online via the blue button in our application system.
Please ensure that you upload the following additional document quoting the vacancy number:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- The transcripts of your BSc and MSc studies to date
- A copy of your (draft) Master’s thesis
- Preferably 2 reference letters
Only applications received before 21 August 2026 can be considered.
Starting date: fall 2026, flexible.