Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting an ambitious PhD candidate who will explore a solution therapy for fibrotic scarring of tendon and ligament by developing and exploiting a biomaterial tool: SPmRs (Super-Paramagnetic-iron-oxide-nanoparticles-containing m-Rods), e.g. injectable magnetic micro-rods that can adhere to cells and subsequently enforce cell polarity, directionality, and functional remodelling capacity in 3D fibrous tissue. The successful candidate is excited about lab work; she/he is passionate about tendon mechanobiology and fibrous tissue remodeling. The research performed by the candidate is an essential link between biomaterial engineering and clinical application of biomaterials in regenerative medicine, which is the focus of the cluster Regenerative Engineering and Biomaterials.

Eindhoven University of Technology

TU/e is a University of Technology with a focus on Health, Energy, and Mobility. Within the Health area, several departments cooperate on topics such as Chemical Biology, Regenerative Medicine, Computational Biology, and Biosensing, with close links to healthcare and industry. TU/e is an open and inclusive university with short communication lines. The people are curious, collaborative, and strive for excellence. TU/e enables its academic staff to develop research and education at an internationally renowned level. Our lively campus community facilitates connections between staff and students, in an open, friendly, vibrant atmosphere that welcomes and inspires.

Biomedical Engineering

The Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) offers a research-driven BME Bachelor program and Masters in Biomedical Engineering and Medical Engineering in its Graduate Program. Its research areas range from Molecular Bioengineering and Imaging, Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering to Biomedical Imaging and Modelling. The department has more than 800 students and up to 200 tenured and non-tenured employees.

Job description

The candidate will engineer nano-magnetic particle of desired dimensions, aspect ratio, and properties; control tissue matrix organization by polarizing and orienting cells using mechanomagnetism; boost the cellular functional remodelling capacity using these particles as mechanical trainers; show the feasibility of restoring an artificially induced lost anisotropy in ex vivo equine tendon, using these particles. The PhD candidate is expected to do scientific research in the field described above, write a doctoral thesis, and publish research results in scientific journals. An educational and professional development program is offered to all PhD candidates. You will also be involved in teaching courses offered by the group, as well as contribute to the supervision of bachelor and master students.

We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who are interested in a dynamic, stimulating, and ambitious environment to perform their research. We are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

• A background in biomedical engineering (or similar) and interested to learn and master wet lab cell biology and bioengineering approaches to validate generated hypothesis.
• Effective communication of ideas, foster collaborations, and have a capability for independent thinking.
• Work independently within a dynamic team and be proficient in written and spoken English.

The research will be conducted within the Orthopedic Biomechanics group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of dr. Jasper Foolen (TU/e), Prof Keita Ito (TU/e) and Prof René van Weeren (Utrecht University). Research at the Orthopedic Biomechanics group is dedicated to exploring and developing (regenerative) treatment strategies for orthopaedic injuries and disorders based on a thorough understanding of musculoskeletal tissue mechanobiology and biomechanical function.

What we offer:

• A challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious University and an enthusiastic team.
• The appointment will be on a full-time basis for four years with a yearly evaluation.
• Support with your personal development and career planning, including courses by offering every Ph.D. student a series of courses in the PROOF program as an addition to your scientific education.
• Gross monthly salaries are by the Collective Labour Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2.325,= per month initially, to € 2.972,= in the fourth year.
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including excellent work facilities, support in moving expenses and commuting expenses, pension scheme, extra holiday allowance 8% in May, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3% in December and excellent sports facilities.