The ambition of the Bio-organic Chemistry group is to create hybrid cells and organelles that are used to construct life-like systems or that can be employed in biomedical applications. We focus on compartmentalization strategies to construct micro and nanocapsules which can be used for example as scaffolds for vaccine development or as capsules with life-like properties, such as metabolism, organelle-mimetic behavior and cell growth and motility. In our research we combine techniques from protein engineering, polymer chemistry and bioconjugation approaches to create particles with bioactive properties. Are you the enthusiastic PhD student that fits in our group of excellent researchers?

A PhD position is open in the field of life-like systems:

Polymer nanoreactors that mimic complex behavior in nature

The aim of this project is to design functional biomimetic systems, able to engage in reversible dynamic processes. This investigation is of great interest from a fundamental scientific point of view, as it will shed light on complex behaviours found in nature.

You will design, construct and characterize a series of well-defined semipermeable polymer vesicles loaded with enzymes, which can serve as nanoreactors. Using smart surface modification strategies and appropriate catalytic processes these nanoreactors will be able to communicate to and interact with one another. By installing feedback mechanisms and out-of-equilibrium conditions life-like assembly behavior will be attained.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic (almost) graduated Master student in Chemistry, preferably with a background in physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and nanoscience. Other requirements are excellent analytic and communicative skills. You are fluent in English and you like to work in a multidisciplinary team.

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will work with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists! The gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with € 2.325,= in the first year to € 2.972,= in the fourth year. Besides this the TU/e has holiday- and end-of the year allowances, an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.