Job Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) - Postdoc Function and Soft Mechanics of Biological Materials

The 'Function and Soft Mechanics of Biological Materials' group at Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands would like to bring to your attention an opening for a PostDoc position in theoretical physics, to complement and strengthen existing efforts in the field of theoretical soft matter physics. In addition, BSc/MSc-level projects and summer internships are continuously available.

Research in our group centers around a single ambition: to understand and predict the mechanical properties of biological and biomimetic materials from the molecular scale up.

To do so requires a handle on biophysics and mechanics over a range of lengthscales. Structural biomaterials, such as the extracellular matrix or the cellular cytoskeleton, are mechanically characterized in both bulk and micro-rheology, but properties at these coarser scales must be understood starting from the underlying biopolymer (actin, collagen, etc) network's discrete filamentous properties, which in turn require an understanding of the (entropic) elastic behavior of supramolecular proteinaceous fibers. These fibers, themselves, are typically the end product of a hierarchy of covalent and noncovalent self-assembly steps involving one or more single proteins. Moreover, biomaterials are often active: energy-consuming motor proteins exert stresses at the molecular scale to introduce important non-equilibrium characteristics, which - among other things - allow cells to adjust their mechanical properties as circumstances demand, and move in directed fashion.

The physics at each length scale affects behavior at all others, and an integrated approach is therefore essential to success. In the Eindhoven group, we seek to address this complex, multiscale problem in coordinated but individually focused projects: Fundamental, applied, numerical and analytical. The current opening fits into the larger objective of our group, but is self-sufficient in terms of immediate objectives.

Importantly, in each of these theoretical projects you are expected to collaborate very closely with partnered experimental groups. Candidates with some experience in interacting with experiments are therefore exceedingly preferred and encouraged to apply. Not quite you? No worries. We're looking for enthusiastic, talented, outgoing, curious people to join our group. Perhaps your previous experience or education is not a direct match to the project topics - as long as you're as excited as we are about the projects, and you're willing to get to work we'd love to hear from you!

Successful candidates will be a member of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS). This is a new interdisciplinary initiative at TU/e which aims at bringing excellent researchers from different areas together to promote cross-breeding of ideas across departments and across disciplines. The institute was founded on April 1, 2008 and is part of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e); it aims at becoming an internationally leading institute. It will do this by forcing widely recognized scientific breakthroughs in the engineering of complex molecular systems and by forming an advanced study center for scientific discussion on the topic of complexity. Several research groups in different departments form the basis for a multidisciplinary research platform for building knowledge and infrastructure in systems chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. The aim is to create complex, functional objects based on novel engineering tools and state-of-the-art modeling. This will be done in close collaboration with staff members, PhD students and post-docs working in physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. 

Project description                         

Multiscale Mechanics of Collagenous Materials.

Our goal, as stated above, is to understand and predict the mechanical properties of biological and biomimetic materials from the molecular scale up. Much progress has been made, by us and others, on the molecular, supramolecular and network scales but, to date, one aspect has been conspicuously missing: reliable numerical models for the mm-cm scale: the heterogeneous tissue scales. For this PD project, we're looking for someone with a background in multiscale mechanical modeling, for instance from previous engineering experience. We've compiled considerable experience modeling the filamentous network scales, but have not yet been able to look beyond these to understand what happens when mechanical properties vary spatially as they do in tissues, or for instance in tumors embedded in healthy tissue. This project is open, in the sense that we're really looking for your input and your good ideas. Your previous experience in multiscale finite element modeling will certainly be put to extremely good use. As a postdoc, you're expected to initiate interactions with colleagues you think are relevant - for instance in the department of mechanical engineering, or the tissue engineering labs at our University.

We offer

A challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious, multidisciplinary research team. Close collaboration with leading national and international groups in the fields of soft matter science, materials science, and polymer technology. Gross monthly salaries € 2861 to € 2977 in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU).  Moreover 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. An attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, child care and sport facilities). Also, we can help you find accommodation. The TU/e is an equal opportunity employer.

Information

Interested? Let us know. Also for more information, contact Cornelis Storm at c.storm@tue.nl, or by phone +31 (0) 40 247 4117. Check out the group pages at www.phys.tue.nl/tps/. More information about the ICMS and this postdoctoral position may also be obtained from Sagitta Peters MSc, Business Manager of the ICMS (s.peters@tue.nl, tel. +31 (0)40 247 3910) or at www.icms.tue.nl.

 Application Procedure

To ensure consideration, your application should include:

- An application letter that outlines your qualification, interest and motivation for this position

- A CV with details on education, employment, publications, and research experience, as well as contact information for 1-2 referees.