Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a bright PhD candidate to develop Lab-on-a-Chip devices for high-throughput analysis for the investigation of crosstalk between cells and biomaterials, which are used in regenerative medicine.The device functions as the initial stage of a very powerful cell-screening microarray. The biological interface of the device will be characterized by another researcher, and the main aim of the successful PhD candidate is to build the microfluidic platform.

The successful candidate should be excited about both biomaterials engineering and microfabrication. Doctoral research will be part of wider and exciting efforts currently spearheaded within the Biosensors and Devices Research Group.

Job Description

Crosstalk between cells and (bio)materials plays a key role in the cell differentiation process in regenerative medicine applications. For these applications, engineered biomaterials embedded in microfluidic platforms can create functional and impactful research tools for cell screening. In this project, you will develop innovative approaches to investigate cell-material interactions and subsequent cellular responses.

You will contribute to the high-throughput cell screening program of the Biosensors and Devices Research Group. The core of the Lab-on-a-Chip device will be several hundreds of independent cell-culturing microunits with fluidic access to culture media with different compositions. In this array, separate units will exploit the multiplexed analysis of biomolecules in real-time. You will design and manufacture the devices. Furthermore, you will design and build a measurement setup, where you will perform and interpret the measurements. Cells and their secretome are targeted analytes. It will be important to develop a good data analysis insight into the different factors (that alter the cell behavior), which if necessary, can be modeled using an analytical or finite-element-based approach. You are expected to do scientific research in the field described above, write a doctoral thesis, and publish research results in scientific journals. An educational and professional development program is offered to all PhD candidates by TU/e.

We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who are interested in a dynamic, stimulating, and ambitious environment to perform their research. We are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Microfabrication. 
• Prior experience with microfabrication is a plus.
• Prior experience with microscopy techniques and cell culture/co-culture is a plus along with competencies in computer-based quantification/analysis tools (Matlab or similar).
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to independently work within a dynamic team and to foster collaborations.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

The position will be based at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. Doctoral research will be performed within the Biosensors and Devices Research Group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of dr. Burcu Gumuscu-Sefunc and prof. Jan de Boer. Our research is dedicated to understanding and applying basic microfluidics and microfabrication principles at the biointerfaces, especially for regenerative medicine.

The research program is characterized by a holistic approach to both discovery and application, aiming at combining high throughput technologies, computational modeling, and experimental biology to streamline the wealth of biological knowledge to real clinical applications.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation after one year.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes.
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.