PhD Optimizing Embolization Materials Through Structure-Property Relationships

Aortic aneurysms affect up to 10% of individuals worldwide, with potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated. A new minimally-invasive procedure proposed by a start-up company, Triplemed, consists of injecting an embolization material to fill the aortic cavity. The success of this procedure relies on the correct flow properties of the material, whose composition is currently heavily based on trial-and-error. The design of such a material has many requirements: for instance, it needs to easily flow from the insertion (thin) catheter and completely fill the cavity, but at the same time be strong enough to withstand the hemodynamic flow and stay in place before curing, making this a rheological-complex fluid. In addition, this material needs to have certain physical and chemical properties to ensure both biocompatibility and good contrast for real-time imaging during the procedure.

The goal of this project ('Innovative Embolization Materials by Structure-Property Relationships and Optimized Chemistry') is to gain a fundamental understanding of the governing parameters in the flow of the embolization material required for a successful injection and placement procedure, from both analysis and design perspectives. We aim to investigate the material properties required in these challenging flow conditions, and unravel the fundamental structure-property relationships linking material chemistry to macroscopic properties to be able to design new advanced materials with the right functionality. By combining numerical and experimental approaches, we will characterize the rheological properties of specific material component combinations and simulate and predict its performance in prototype flows.

You will be part of the Processing of Performance of Materials Group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which combines experimental and computational expertise in both fundamental science and applied research. The group aims at bridging the gap between sophisticated experimental techniques, rheological models and reliable and feasible predictive modeling in soft matter, in applications ranging from polymer processing to food industry. Here you will have the possibility to co-supervise BSc and MSc students in their thesis projects and to collaborate with fellow PhD students in the group, as well as other groups in the department. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the project, you will also work closely with colleagues from Chemical Engineering and Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering departments.

We are looking for motivated candidates holding a MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or related areas are invited to apply for this position. Experience with experimental research is essential. A strong background and interest in the field of fluid mechanics and rheology is highly desired. Knowledge on materials chemistry and/or prior experience with numerical simulations/computational work is a plus. The candidate also has great team work skills and interest in collaborating with both academic and industrial partners.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English is required.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow. 

Curious to hear more about what it's like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact Dr. Alexandra Alicke, a.alicke@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment.

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Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button on this page. The application should include:

• Cover letter (max. 1 page) in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Detailed curriculum vitae, including contact information of at least two references.
• Transcripts of BSc and MSc degrees (with grades).

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. Promising candidates will be contacted by email.

Please keep in mind that you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary, please combine files.