Eindhoven University of Technology is recruiting an ambitious PhD candidate who will study the reciprocal interaction between cells and engineered polymer materials, and who will apply this knowledge to improve the interaction of medical implants with the human body. The successful candidate is competent in cell biology and equally interested in biomaterial engineering; she/he is passionate about molecular biology and has a desire to unravel biomolecular mechanisms. 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 Medical Engineering.

Job Description

Within the framework of the Interactive Polymer Materials program, the candidate will work in the lab of Prof. Jan de Boer (www.jandeboerlab.com) on the reciprocal interaction between and cells and the extracellular matrix in which they live, with an emphasis on the ageing extracellular matrix. In collaboration with polymer chemists at TU/e, the research will investigate molecular signaling pathways activated by artificially ageing synthetic matrices, and in reverse, transgenic cell technology will be used to investigate the response of said matrices to senescence-related secretome changes. The PhD candidate is expected to perform 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 of undergraduate courses offered by the cluster, 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 master of sciences in Biomedical Engineering (or similar) with emphasis on cell biology and interested in biomaterial engineering.
• Effective communication of ideas, fostering collaborations, and with the capability for independent thinking.
• Work independently within a dynamic team and proficient in written and spoken English.

The research will be conducted within the Biolnterface Science group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of prof. Jan de Boer (www.jandeboerlab.com). Research at BiS is dedicated to understanding and applying basic cell biological principles at the bio-interfaces, especially for regenerative medicine. The research program is characterized by a holistic approach to both discovery and application, aiming at combining high throughput technologies, computational modeling, and experimental biology to streamline the wealth of biological knowledge to real clinical applications.

• 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. € 2.541,- and max. € 3.247,-).
• 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.