PhD students for project ArTCell

We are looking for two Ph.D. students who will work together on different aspects of this project at the Department of Biomedical Engineering, University Medical Center Groningen. The work is part of a recently EU-funded EIC PATHFINDER OPEN project ArTCell, “Bottom-up manufacturing of artificial anti-tumor T cells” led by Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. The selected students are expected to establish a close collaboration with other partners towards the success of the project. The appointed Ph.D. students will be supported during their research by the research team at the UMCG under the supervision of Prof. dr. Hélder A. Santos and dr. Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi.

The overall aim of the project is to incorporate two key features of original activated T cells, including tumor cell recognition and cytotoxic activity, into Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) as artificial cells.
First, using droplet-based microfluidic chips with multiple inlets, ion-assisted and chemically crosslinked microhydrogels are aimed to be fabricated, followed by covering them with lipid-based molecules as the shell to mimic the surface membrane of the T cells. During the process, appropriate biomolecules and proteins are aimed to be incorporated into the lipid bilayer on the surface or inside the hydrogel core for sustained release. Stability, mechanical features, and behavior of the artificial cells after exposure to biological media are key criteria that are expected to be studied deeply by the appointed Ph.D. students.

- MSc degree in biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or any life sciences-related subject.
- Excellent writing and presentation skills in English.
- Strong team player with the ability to work independently.
- Experience with microfluidics for the synthesis of micro- and nano-particles for drug delivery applications.
- Experience with cell biological and imaging techniques is required.
- Experience with deep protein corona analysis.
It is not necessary for the applicant to have previous experience in all above-mentioned fields. However, showing experimental skills on more than two of the above topics would be considered a benefit.
We also expect the applicant to be interested in delving into the application and technique of fabricating cell-mimicking therapeutics and demonstrate good organizational and cooperation skills.
The UMCG has a preventive Hepatitis B policy. If required for the position, the UMCG can provide the vaccination.

We offer 2 fulltime Ph.D. positions within the Department of Biomedical Engineering, under the supervision of Prof. dr. Hélder A. Santos and dr. Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi. The position offered is for four years. However, you will get a fulltime contract for 1 year, which will be extended for 3 years after evaluation. Extension of the contract will be based on sufficient progress and the expectation of a successful completion of the Ph.D. project. Your salary will be a minimum of € 2.789,- gross per month in the first year and a maximum of € 3.536,- gross per month (scale PRO) in the final (4th) year, based on a full-time appointment. In addition, the UMCG will offer you 8% holiday pay, and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
The conditions of employment comply with the Collective Labour Agreement for Medical Centres (CAO-UMC).

Documents for the application
- English language certificate
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letter of motivation
- Transcript of the MSc degree
- Curriculum vitae (a short explanation of contributions to the presented publications is required)
Merge all files into a single PDF following the above order and submit it through the link provided at the bottom of this page - only these will be processed.

T cells play a central role in anti-tumor immune protection. That is the reason for significant efforts spanning several decades of research to develop T cell-based therapies manufactured from donor-derived T cells. However, several major drawbacks, including economic factors, suboptimal functioning, phenotype alteration in vivo, and life-threatening side effects, are still hindering the full potential of T cell-based therapies. To address this issue, we aim to generate artificial T cells that will mimic the anti-tumor function of original T cells but in a safer, more efficient, and less expensive product.

Have you become curious about this research and would you like to contribute to it? Do you have experience and knowledge in the areas of microfluidics, nano/micro hydrogels, cellular anticancer assays, and physicochemical characterization and elasticity of nano/micro carriers?

Then we are looking for you!