At the Department of BioEngineering at the University of Twente, a vacancy exists for a PhD student. This vacancy is funded by an ERC Starting grant that was recently awarded to Dr. Leijten. The prospective PhD candidate will operate as part of the ERC team, which will consist of 3 PhD Students and 1 Postdoc, each with their own subproject. One PhD candidate position is available immediately. In this project you will develop a 3D bioprinting strategy to create vascularized tissues i.e. bone. This approach represents a front-line solution to create clinically sized tissues that remain viable and functional following their implantation.

The MIRA Institute of the University of Twente is a widely recognized for its excellence in development of new biomedical technology and advanced biomanufacturing. Biofabrication technology yields living constructs with complex architectures that can be used as in vitro models for research and screening, as well as for implantation in vivo as novel therapies. Our Department, has a strong history in the development of advanced biomaterials to treat cartilage defects and other diseases. More recently, my lab has made major strides in the development of next-generation bioinks for biomedical applications. You will be responsible for developing new bioinks and use these bioinks for the 3D bioprinting of tissues. You will therefore work on the multidisciplinary interface of cell biology, biomaterial science, microengineering, and additive manufacturing. This will develop a wide skill set which will include the engineering of microfluidic devices, 3D bioprinting of tissues, bioink development, material characterization, cell culture and differentiation, and tissue engineering. The research effort should result in a comprehensive approach for the bioprinting of vascularized clinically sized bone tissues.

• You hold a master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Sciences, or an equivalent master’s education;
• You have excellent analytical skills and an innate ability for solution oriented problem solving;
• You have a strong interest in additive manufacturing, cell-biomaterial interaction and tissue engineering;
• You have experience in 3D printing, material synthesis/characterization, and/or development of microfluidic microdevices. Experience in micromaterials, hydrogels, chondrogenesis/cartilage/vascularization will be considered as a benefit;
• You are a team player with great communication skills;
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.

Information and application
For inquiries about this position and our offer you can contact Dr. Jeroen Leijten (j.c.h.leijten@utwente.nl).

Candidates should upload their application by using the application button below, including a short motivation letter and CV.

The University of Twente offers a stimulating work environment in an area of applied, forefront research. You will have a full time employment contract for the duration of 4 years and can participate in all employee benefits the UT offers. The gross monthly salary starts with € 2.222,- in the first year and increases to € 2.840,- in the fourth year of your employment. Additionally, the University of Twente provides excellent facilities for professional and personal development, a holiday allowance (amount to 8%) and an end of year bonus of 8.3%. A high-quality training programme is part of the agreement. The research has to result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.