A fully financed 4yr PhD position is available at the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands within the Faculty of Science and Technology in the Jonkheijm Laboratory of Biointerface Chemistry. Biological pacemakers, generated in vivo or ex vivo, are being explored as alternatives to electronic pacemakers because of common device-related complications. Making biological pacemakers requires exquisite knowledge of the cellular composition of the cardiac pacemaker and the regulatory network driving pacemaker cell differentiation and function. We aim to create a 3D in vitro microenvironment for essential functioning of sinoatrial node, the pacemaker tissue situated at the blood-entrance of the right atrium. We will study cell-material interactions under microfluidic control and use microfabrication techniques to prepare 3D arrangements of biomaterials with varying spacings, biofunctionalization, materials properties and dynamic responsivity. We will obtain expression profiles of adhering hPSC-derived atrial cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts and pacemaker cells on various cell-material types, with different viscosity and elasticity. We will use microfluidic organ on chip-devices with integrated electrodes for realtime monitoring of electrophysiological properties and use it to test the predictions made by the mathematical modeling. At the University you are part of the unparalleled possibilities at MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre for biomedical research. The project is part of an active collaborative research consortium with the Amsterdam UMC, Hubrecht Institute and Leiden University.

We seek for a colleague with a background in biochemical or biomedical or biomaterial engineering. Candidates with experiences in 3D-printing, microscopy, hydrogel preparation are preferred, as core activities may involve the design and fabrication of microfluidic devices and hydrogel systems. Communicative skills are preferred as this is a collaborative project with other institutions.

We offer a very challenging fulltime position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. The UT offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in which internationalization is an important part of the strategic agenda.

• The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.395,- in the first year and increases to € 3.061,- in the fourth year of your employment;
• 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 holidays in case of full-time employment;
• Professional and personal development programs;