For the new strategic alliance “Technology inspired solutions for tomorrow’s health care” between the UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University and the University of Twente we are seeking a post-doctoral researcher with expertise in microfabrication technology to build a team to leverage this new alliance. The position is available immediately.

In the alliance excellence in development of new biomedical technology, the stronghold of the MIRA Institute of the University of Twente, is combined with translational excellence in innovative human and veterinary patient care, the stronghold of the UMC Utrecht and Utrecht University. Through this strategic alliance these features will now be further synchronized and combined. The aim of this project is to yield miniaturized living constructs with complex architectures that can be used as in vitro models for research and screening; the joint on chip. 

The research project is in the area of biofabrication of musculoskeletal tissues, particularly focusing at developing a living model of the human knee joint. The ultimate aim of the research program is the reconstruction of functional tissues from stem or progenitor cells in a bioprinting process for transplantation purposes. To achieve this successfully, in-depth knowledge of joint homeostasis and the factors influencing this is imperative. For this reason, the development of a so-called “joint on a chip” will be one of the main targets of this project; our established equine model as well as access to materials derived from patients will be pivotal in generating well-defined data sets to realize this. Also, the development of bio-inks, understanding the fundamentals of cell behavior during printing, and integration of (stem)cell biology with robotics to achieve high speed 3D printing of complex functional tissues with sufficient accuracy are important aspects of the collaborative research program.

The position
You will perform truly multidisciplinary research on the interface of two research groups in the area of (micro)biofabrication and skeletal regeneration and will work both at the Regenerative Medicine (RM) Center Utrecht (in which the RM groups of the UMC Utrecht and the Veterinary Faculty of Utrecht University work together; www.rmutrecht.org) and the Developmental Bioengineering group of the MIRA institute of the University of Twente. The project brings together an international team with complimentary expertise focusing on biofabricated (osteo)chondral repair. You will become part of both groups. As such, you will be an essential connection in the collaboration between the institutes. You will integrate knowledge in (micro)fabrication technology with biomaterials, and the biology of joint physiology. You will be involved in educational programs of the participating institutes and in particular in the supervision of master students in Technical Medicine and Biomedical Engineering during their graduation phase.

You have a PhD in (bio)medical engineering with experience in micro) fabrication technologies, or a related area. You have affinity with translational research and you thrive in a multidisciplinary research environment. You are an enthusiastic researcher and have proven experience in preparation of high quality research publications in the field of microfabrication technology. Affinity with cell biological research is an advantage. You are highly motivated and flexible with strong planning, problem solving skills and efficient and independent at decision making. You have excellent oral and written communication skills, and a proven record of functioning in a team. You are willing to contribute to the research line with the preparation of grant and project proposals.

Application and more information
To apply for this position, please use the link below and include your cover letter and resume before the 5th of December 2017. For more information on this position please contact prof. dr. Marcel Karperien; h.b.j.karperien@utwente.nl.