The Chair of Design Engineering of The Department of Design, Production and Management (DPM) in collaboration with the Vascularisation lab of the Department of Biomechanical Engineering, both within the Faculty of Engineering Technology (ET) at the University of Twente (UT) have as part of the Sector Plan an opening for a full-time, 4-year, fully-funded PhD position in the emerging field of 3D Bio-printing!

Job description

In vitro tissue development can be controlled using multiple stimuli, including chemical factors and the mechanical environment. 3D bioprinting has developed as a powerful tool to pattern these factors and therefore to locally control complex tissue development and organization.

We are looking for a highly motivated and hardworking PhD candidate to strengthen our multidisciplinary research team on multi-material 3D bioprinting. Specifically, you will 1) Explore self-healing biocompatible hydrogel 3D-printing enhanced by metallic phases with the aim to introduce reversible, mechano-transduction cues, by following an experimental approach, 2) design cellular architectures that will improve tissue development, 3) 3D print, characterize and experimentally test the designed structures.

You will work in a stimulating multidisciplinary scientific environment. You will collaborate with PhD candidates and Principal Investigators that work together with established connections to leading specialists in the international research community.

• A MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical engineering, Materials Science or related field;
• Experience with hydrogel 3d printing;
• Experience with Stereolithography and extrusion-based 3d Printing;
• Experience with experimental techniques;
• Understanding of granular materials is a plus;
• Proficient in written and oral English.
• The ability to operate at the intersection of various fields.
• A high degree of responsibility and independence, able to collaborate with colleagues, researchers, and other university staff.

The UT provides a dynamic and international environment, combining the benefits of academic research with a topic of high societal relevance, excellent working conditions, an exciting scientific environment, and a green and lively campus. We offer:

• A full-time 4-year PhD position;
• Excellent mentorship in a vibrant research environment;
• State-of-the art equipment;
• An offer for a personal development program within the Twente Graduate School;
• A gross monthly salary of € 2.434 in the first year, increasing each year up to € 3.111 in the fourth year;
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• A minimum of 29 holidays per year in case of full-time employment;
• Full status as an UT-employee, including pension and health care benefits.