The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a bright PhD candidate to investigate the mechanobiology of synthetic-tissue morphogenesis. The PhD will investigate the role of cell mechanics in the (mal)formation and (mal)function of synthetic tissues, which emerges at the mesoscale between cellular units and their collectives via cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Doctoral research will be part of wider and exciting efforts currently spearheaded within the Synthetic-Morphogenesis group.

Eindhoven University of Technology

TU/e is a University of Technology with a focus on Health, Energy and Mobility. Within the Health area, several departments cooperate on topics such as Chemical Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Computational Biology, and Biosensing, with close links to healthcare and industry. TU/e is an open and inclusive university with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence. TU/e enables its academic staff to develop research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an open, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires.

Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) offers a research driven BME Bachelor program and Masters in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Engineering in its Graduate Program. Its research areas range from Molecular Bioengineering and Imaging, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering to Biomedical Imaging and Modelling. The department has more than 800 students and up to 200 tenured and non-tenured employees.

Job description

The candidate will generate unprecedented in vitro models and experimental data to understand the physical basis of synthetic-tissue morphogenesis in physiological and pathological conditions. The in vitro experimental methods involved in this inquiry may include: i) Cell Traction Microscopy, Laser Ablation and Advanced Image Analyses for the quantification of cell and tissue mechanics; and, ii) Molecular and Cell Biology techniques as well as 2D/3D Co-culture for the manipulation of both cellular genotype and phenotype. The candidate will build on established experimental protocols as well as create new ones in order to further develop new methodological approaches for the handling of novel experimental setups currently unavailable in the field. The PhD candidate is 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 the TU/e. A small part of the position involves teaching in courses offered by the group.

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:

• The candidate will have a background in Bioengineering, or Biotechnology, or Biophysics, or Biology or equivalent. Previous experience with microscopy techniques and 2D/3D cell culture and co-culture will be considered as a determinant added value along with competencies in microfabrication and computer-based quantification/analysis (Matlab or similar).
• The candidate should be able to effectively communicate scientific ideas, foster collaborations and have a capability for independent thinking.
• Moreover, the candidate should be able to work independently within a dynamic team and be proficient in written and spoken English.

The position will be based at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. TU/e has a strategic focus on Health, Energy and Mobility. Within the Health area, several departments collaborate on topics such as Chemical Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Computational Biology, and Biosensing, with close links to healthcare and industry. Doctoral research will be performed in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr Vito Conte (Synthetic Morphogenesis group) and that of and prof.dr. C.V.C. Bouten, who leads the section of Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM).

We offer

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University and in an enthusiastic team.
• The appointment will be on a full-time basis for a period of four years with a yearly evaluation.
• Support with your personal development and career planning including courses by offering every PhD student a series of courses in the PROOF program as an addition to your scientific education.
• Gross monthly salaries are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2.325,= per month initially, to € 2.972,= in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, support in moving expenses and commuting expenses, pension scheme, extra holiday allowance 8% in May, end-of-year bonus of 8.3% in December and excellent sports facilities.