Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types with a dismal 5-year survival rate of less than 8%. One major problem with pancreatic cancer is the poor tumor delivery of chemotherapy which leads to treatment failure. This project aims to develop specific hydrogel formulation combining different therapeutics to be injected locally in the pancreatic tumor. The developed formulations will be tested in advanced 3D in vitro models, as well as in vivo mouse tumor models. The project will be performed at University of Twente in collaboration with industrial partners OncoLize BV and ScarTec Therapeutics BV and researchers from Leiden University Medical Centre.

For this position we require an ambitious candidate with a Master's Degree in pharmaceutical sciences, biomedical sciences, biomedical engineering or a similar discipline. A solid background in therapeutics and in vitro cell cultures is essential, while knowledge and experience in oncology is preferred. Having experience with in vivo work in animal models is appreciated. Excellent English writing and presentation skills are required. The candidate needs to be able to collaborate with external parties in regular meetings and work visits nationally.

The candidate will mentor BSc and MSc students and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team members. It is therefore essential to show willingness to look beyond disciplinary boundaries.

• 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 AOT consists of 3 research chairs: (1) Biomaterials and regenerative medicine, (2) (Bio)artificial organs, (3) Engineered therapeutics.

Its mission is:

1. To provide innovative technological solutions to patients suffering from chronic and malignant diseases to gain a longer, better, and healthier life. 2. To provide excellent education to a new generation of professionals with interdisciplinary knowledge able to meet the needs for the next century related to patient treatment. This mission is achieved through the application of state-of-the-art technologies at the interface of chemistry, biomaterials and membrane science, additive manufacturing, biofabrication, tissue engineering and nanomedicine. AOT combines unique expertise spanning the fields of (bio)artificial organs, targeted therapeutics and biomaterials and regenerative medicine. Our activities are embedded in challenging and interactive training programs for bachelor and master students and graduate and post-graduate students. We strive to implement innovative technologies from the benchtop to the clinic, and to valorize our findings via initiating new spin-off companies.

The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation, and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.