The immune response to biomaterials limits the desired bio-activity and the development of universal bio-functionalization strategies broadly applicable. In this ESR/PhD project, LipoCoat’s patented biomimetic nanometer-sized coating and coatings offered by the MSCA-ITN project partners will be introduced to different types of particles to shield the physico-chemical characteristics of the underlying nanoparticle surface from the immune system. The coated nanomaterials will be evaluated in in-vitro assays e.g. whole blood assays to study T-cell and macrophage (subtype) activation. We anticipate that a successful coating will homogenize the distinct immune response to the respective nanoparticles.

We are searching a colleague with a background in organic chemistry, organic materials chemistry, biomedical technology or biomedical engineering. Candidates with experiences in one or more of the following have a preference: biofunctionalization chemistry; antibacterial, antifouling or antibiofilm efficacy studies; in vivo immune response studies. Communicative skills are important as this is a collaborative project with other institutions.

We offer a very challenging fulltime position in an inspiring multidisciplinary and international environment. LipoCoat and the UT offer 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, second year € 2.790, third year € 2.920 and the fourth year € 3.061.

·       A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;

·       A solid pension scheme;

·       29 holidays in case of full-time employment;

·       PhD development program;

·       Work location: Enschede – The Netherlands.

An Early Stage Researcher / PhD position is available at LipoCoat BV and at the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands under the supervision of prof. dr. Pascal Jonkheijm. The ESR/PhD is part of the Marie Skłodowska - Curie Innovative Training Network (MSCA-ITN) project “DIRNANO - Directing the immune response through designed nanomaterials”. The ESR/PhD is part of the UT graduate school. LipoCoat is a biotech spin-off from the prestigious MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology and TechMed Centre of the UT. LipoCoat has recently been named the Best Medical Device Coatings Company of 2020 in the Global Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 2020. The Jonkheijm lab and LipoCoat jointly work on the general problem associated to the poor surface properties of many medical devices that result in problems of discomfort and infection risk.