In-air microfluidics is a new technology to generate large quantities of controlled micro-scale droplets, particles, and capsules. We have already demonstrated particles with different sizes, shapes, and designs (see advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/1/eaao1175.full), but mainly in solidified alginate. In this project, we aim to design and fabricate microparticles with specific biological, chemical, or physical characteristics, to provide new or improved materials for food, pharmacy, or cosmetics.

The aim of the presently available postdoc is to develop controlled particles in new materials, such as thiol-enes, acrylates, or tyramine chemistries. The initial focus will be on food and pharmacy, where biologically degradable “air shells” of porous silica will encapsulate monodisperse droplets. However, there will be ample room to explore new directions as well. You will focus on the materials development and testing, while learning a transferable skill set in experimental fluid mechanics, microparticle development, and writing highly visible scientific publications. 

Goal: Scalable manufacture of tunable microparticles for food, pharmacy, and cosmetics.

How: By combining your skills in materials science of chemistry with our high-throughput In-Air microfluidics setup and knowledge of microparticle applications.

Why: Controlled microparticles lack application areas due to the low throughput of state-of-the-art microfluidics-based manufacturing technologies.

Where: You will work in the Fluid Mechanics for Functional Materials group at Faculty of Engineering Technology at the University of Twente. The position is part of EU-funded EFRO project “In-air microfluidics, beter en sneller encapsuleren”.

• You have obtained a PhD degree in Material Science, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, or Applied Physics.
• You are motivated to develop new materials (by synthesis and/or combining commercial materials) and characterize these.
• You have acquired some experience in microfluidics or inkjet printing, or would learn these skills at the University of Twente, a leading institution in this field.
• You have written in-depth or high-profile scientific papers and a strong ability to orally present results.
• You love working in a team in which fundamental and applied research cross-fertilize.
• You have excellent social and communication skills, in academic as well as non-academic contexts.
• You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and being flexible and stress-resistant.

Information and application

For additional information regarding this position, you can contact dr.ir. C.W. Visser : c.visser@utwente.nl

Your application should consist of:

• a cover letter (maximum 1 page A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivations to apply for this position;
• a full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained;
• a short description (maximum 1 page A4) of your MSc or PhD research;
• contact details of at least two references who worked closely with you;
• if applicable – a list of publications.

Applications should be submitted before July 15, 2018 through the link below

• The position is for at least 2 years. The starting date is to be discussed, but will be before November 2018;
• The gross monthly salary will range from € 3.111,- to € 4.084,- and will depend on experience and qualifications;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A solid pension scheme;
• Minimum of 29 leave days in case of full-time employment;
• Professional and personal development programs.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

The Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) is one of the five faculties of the University of Twente. ET combines Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Industrial Design Engineering. Our faculty has approximately 1800 bachelor and master students, 400 employees and 150 PhD candidates. The departments of the faculty cooperatively conduct the educational programmes and participate in interdisciplinary research projects, programmes and the research institutes: MIRA, CTIT, SBE and IGS.