Throughout the lifetime of human beings, cell growth and differentiation is a dynamic process of creating and preserving organs.  Cells are complex biological units and their behaviour is a complex interplay between the individual cells and their surroundings. Their fate is guided by physical and mechanical cues such as local geometry, surface properties and mechanical stiffness.  However, much of this complex and dynamic behaviour is not well understood as it requires advanced characterization platforms that can unravel cell bio-mechanics at very small (nano and micro) length scales.

In this project, we aim to utilize silicon photonics and optomechanical microchip technology to realize the next-generation platform for cell analysis. This revolutionary opto-mechanical sensory systems can be used to study cells by dynamically measuring their morphological, mechanical, and molecular properties at high speed, high resolution, and in 3D. To create such novel sensory systems, you will use concepts based on integrated photonics (chips that work with light), opto-mechanical sensing (sensing mechanical deformations with light), biomaterial engineering (materials with different shapes and stiffnesses that give mechanical cues to cells), and high-resolution 3D bio-printing. The research includes all aspects of designing, characterizing, fabricating, and incorporating opto-mechanical sensory systems in biomedical devices.

This project is a multidisciplinary collaboration between the Departments of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) and Biomechanical Engineering (BME) of Delft University of Technology. Their combined expertise in photonic precision mechanical sensing and mechano-biological analysis of cell, respectively, offer you a unique position in an excellent academic environment. Our departments are well equipped with state-of-the-art fabrication facilities, photonic, nanomechanical, and biomechanical characterisation instruments, and a biological laboratory. 

Website and references: www.w-lab.nl (dr. Wouter Westerveld) and www.mjmirzaali.com (dr. Mohammad J. Mirzaali).   

• MSc degree in Physics, Biophysics, Mechanical engineering, or equivalent, with good grades.
• Eagerness to learn optomechanical microchip design, integrated photonics, silicon photonic microchip design, and cell mechanobiology. Prior expertise in one of these fields is a plus.
• Expertise related to cell culturing and 3D bioprinting (it is different than 3D printing).
• Interest in design, modelling, and experiments.
• Motivated to work in a multidisciplinary team, a proactive attitude towards collaboration.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in written and oral.   

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.