The brain is the most complex organ of the human body. During the last two decades, a new generation of scientists, between a microfabrication engineer and a cell biologist, started to develop engineered microenvironments trying to recapitulate the complexity of neural networks. In such context, brain white matter has a central role in motor coordination and cognitive functions. White matter abnormalities are detrimental and significant in many neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Most of the current approaches for the study of cells residing in the white matter, rely on the use of strategies that are not able to realistically represent the three dimensional (3D) spatial configuration in our brain, or are far from the human white matter complexity.  Representative systems are of utmost importance to understand how physical and mechanical cues in the 3rd dimension, i.e. mechanobiology, affect neural cell differentiation and fate in health and disease. In the context of a NWO funded project in collaboration with Vrije Universiteit of Amsterdam (VU), you will design, fabricate and characterize 3D micro- and meso-scale environments to: investigate the mechanobiology and foster/accelerate the maturation of iPSC-derived neural cells from both healthy and ASD patients; study properties of and changes in white matter structures within long-term diffusible neural tissue-like architectures (i.e. spheroids/organoids). This integrated approach can be potentially used to ‘diagnose’ patient cell phenotypes and, in future, be employed to screen (lead) compounds for the treatment of ASD. The investigation will be conducted synergistically with another PhD student specialized in stem cell biology and simultaneously appointed at VU. The starting date will be Fall 2021.

If you are passionate about pursuing a PhD project at the interface between Mechanical Engineering, Microfabrication, Materials Science and Neuroscience, then we would welcome your application to join our group. The successful candidate will:

1. Develop and conduct research on two-photon polymerization (2PP) and masked stereolithography/digital light projection (MSLA/DLP) for the realization of the 3D micro- and meso-scale structures with specific geometrical/mechanical features.
2. Integrate both commercial and customized photosensitive polymer/hydrogel materials within 2PP/MSLA/DLP processes.
3. Participate in the culture of iPSC-derived neuronal cells.
4. Characterize the mechanical, morphological and immunofluorescent features of both the scaffolds and the cellular networks.
5. Write a doctoral dissertation, publish results in renowned peer reviewed journals and present research at international conferences.
6. Engage in educational activities, such as supervising master students and assisting in classroom or teaching-lab activities

• A university Master of Science degree in micro- and nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related area.
• Good communication skills and ability to be a team-player in a multidisciplinary setting.
• Self-starter with initiative and ability to setup, organise and execute your research.
• Experience with 2PP and morphological/mechanical characterization is required.
• Experience with MSLA/DLP is a plus.
• Experience with polymeric/hydrogel materials is a plus.
• Experience with modeling of mechanical behaviour of microstructures is a strong asset.
• Experience with cell mechanobiology applications (e.g. measurement of cell forces, cytoskeletal conformation) and confocal microscopy is a strong asset.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.