Sex-related responses to treatments is often influenced by anatomical, genetic, and molecular differences between females and males. Although recognized as fundamental biological variable, the influence of sex in several pathologies and respective treatments is not well understood, typically due to the absence of human-representative and stratified model systems. Advanced in vitro model systems, such as organs-on-chips, can incorporate personalizable features, thus, are suitable tools to assess how sex affects disease progression and response to therapies.

In this project, the prospective PhD candidate will develop novel organ-on-chip models to understand sex-linked health disparities, and more effectively model in vitro key differences between human men and women. This micro-technological approach will be combined with advanced imaging modalities and multi-omics. We strive to understand the onset and progression of diseases that affect males and females differently, namely in several musculoskeletal diseases and cancer. This approach represents a beyond-state-of-the-art solution to micro-engineer living functional tissues, with complex architectures, which will be used to develop sex-stratified in vitro models, ultimately allowing for more effective development and screening of sex-targeted drugs.

We encourage applications from candidates with a MSc degree or equivalent in biomedical engineering, biomedical sciences, biology or related fields. Knowledge on microfluidics, in vitro cells models and tissue engineering is highly appreciated. Experience with advanced imaging modalities and microfabrication is advantageous. Proficiency in spoken and written English, and the ability to work in a team, are requirements

• You hold a master's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Micro-technologies, Biomedical Sciences, or an equivalent master's education;
• You have excellent analytical skills and an innate ability for solution-oriented problem solving;
• You have strong interests in developing in vitro models, microfluidics, microfabrication and/or tissue engineering;
• You have experience in micro-fabrication and organs-on-chips. Experience in hydrogels, cell culture, and advanced optical imaging techniques will be considered as a benefit;
• You possess excellent social and communication skills, in academic as well as non-academic contexts.
• You love working in a team in which fundamental and applied research cross-fertilize.
• You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and being flexible and stress-resistant.
• You are fluent in English language skills, both in speaking and writing.

• Fulltime position for four years
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The PhD salary is € 2.541,- in the first year and increases to € 3.247,- in the fourth year.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.
• A personal development program within the Twente Graduate School.

The PhD-candidate will work in the Targeted Microphysiological Systems Lab, which is part of the department of Advanced Organ bioengineering and Therapeutics AOT and Organ-on-Chip Center Twente OoCCT. The AOT department is a research group with a highly international character. Our main goal is to investigate and explore the potential of novel (micro)technologies in the field of Personalized Medicine. Our department has a strong history in the development of various micro-technologies and advanced biomaterials, which have been leveraged to create a family of next-generation in vitro models. AOT is part of the Technical Medical Centre of the University of Twente, which is widely recognized for its cutting-edge developments in biomedical technology and advanced manufacturing.