PhD position on: “Advanced polymeric membranes and dialyzers for developing a miniaturized biohybrid kidney system” - #48910

Key takeaways

• Hours 38 - 40 hr
• Salary indication
  Salary gross/monthly
  based on full-time € 3,059 - € 3,881
• Deadline 30 Jun 2026

Within the AOT group, we have a vacancy for a PhD student.

Patients with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) need kidney replacement therapy (KRT) to survive, but current solutions (dialysis, kidney transplantation) are insufficient. The majority of ESKD patients is dependent on dialysis which places a heavy burden on their life. Removal of uremic toxins there is inadequate. This project aims to develop a miniaturized extracorporeal device that combines artificial and biohybrid kidney functionalities and would pave the way for developing of an implantable artificial kidney device. For achieving this, new types of artificial membranes and membrane dialyzers would be developed and novel cell cultures protocols there would be investigated. Studies of uremic solutes removal from human blood as well as blood compatibility studies should be performed. The project is part of a larger consortium program, entitled Biohybrid Kidney XB, <https://www.health-holland.com/program/BiohybridKidneyXB>

As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the Netherlands. Furthermore, you are expected to actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments and by acting as teaching assistant in courses taught by AOT staff members.

Your profile

• You have a Master’s degree, preferably with distinction (or international equivalent), in Membrane Science and technology, Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Preferably you have experience and affinity with renal replacement therapies, blood compatibility assessment etc.
• You are motivated and enthusiastic about working on an interdisciplinary project.
• You are able to work independently and as a member of an international research team, while demonstrating a collaborative attitude.
• You are able to review and engage with interdisciplinary studies and are driven by curiosity. You have excellent analytical skills and an analytical mind-set, excellent communication skills, written as well as spoken and will be part of a dynamic, interactive research community where you are expected to contribute to the overall academic level.
• English language proficiency is a must and a written test, as well as a scientific presentation, can be part of the interview procedure.

Our offer

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.059,- (first year) to € 3.881,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus.
A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid)

You will have a training programme as part of the Twente Graduate School where you and your supervisors will determine a plan for a suitable education and supervision.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the '' button below before 30-06-2026, and include:

• A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and your motivation to apply for this position.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact information for at least two academic references.
• A transcript of grades of both your BSc and MSc diploma.
• Letters of recommendation (optional).

Questions regarding these positions can be directed to Prof. Dimitrios Stamatialis ([email protected], phone: +31 53 489 4675).

About the department

The Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics (AOT) group consists of 3 research entities: (1) (Bio)artificial organs (2) Biomaterials and regenerative medicine, (3) Stratified micro engineered systems. Its mission is to provide:

• Innovative technological solutions to patients suffering from chronic diseases to gain a longer, better and healthier life.

• Excellent education to a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge.

This mission is achieved through the application of state-of-the-art technologies at the interface of chemistry, biomaterials and membrane science, additive manufacturing, biofabrication and tissue regeneration. AOT strives to implement innovative technologies from the benchtop to the clinic, and to valorize its findings via initiating new spin-off companies. AOT coordinates a dedicated infrastructural unit on biomaterials and biomedical membranes at the University of Twente:

<https://www.utwente.nl/en/techmed/facilities/bioengineering-labs/biomaterials-biomembranes/>

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.