Postdoc Electro-Mechanical Sensing in Organs-on-Chip

Within the Horizon EU multi-partner project “Phoenix”, the ECTM group of the Microelectronics department of TU Delft is looking for a motivated and skilful post-doctoral researcher to develop the integration of innovative electro-mechanical sensors in advanced organ-on-chip platforms.

Job description

Organ-on-Chip (OoC) systems are microfluidic cell culture devices that recapitulate in-vivo-like microenvironments to allow the realistic expression of the functions of human tissues and organs in-vitro. Such microphysiological systems are more representative models than existing in-vitro cell cultures, and aim to enhance pre-clinical screening of the effect of drugs and other compounds on the human body.

The 4-year “Phoenix” project targets specifically the development of an advanced OoC platform capable of electrical recording and mechanical stimulation of cardiac and neuro-muscular tissues, as well as sensing of their contractile force. This ambitious goal will be achieved through an incremental and carefully-structured workplan and the fertile collaboration of multiple expert international partners, both academic and industrial, bio-technological and clinical. In this stimulating and inspiring context, you will experience the opportunity to be active in a truly multi-disciplinary research initiative.

You will contribute with innovative ideas and solutions for the integration in an existing OoC platform of micro-electro-mechanical sensors for accurate quantification of contractile force from cardiac and neuromuscular tissues. The research will involve materials selection for compatibility and functionality, conception and design of the sensing system, its modelling and microfabrication, as well as characterization and testing of the proposed solutions before biological validation.

Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM)

You’ll be working at the Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM) section of the Department of Microelectronics from Faculty EEMCS under supervision of Dr. Massimo Mastrangeli. At ECTM, you will be joining a dynamic and supportive research environment, home to a highly-motivated international team of professors and a growing group of postdocs, PhD and Master students. We offer access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities, including advanced laboratories and cutting-edge tools to support your research. At ECTM, you'll find an open and friendly environment, with opportunities for professional development and training to successfully develop your academic skills. We do not distinguish between hierarchical levels, and we have a strong collaborative culture. We interact on a daily basis and share a drive to strengthen the position of the group as a whole thanks to the growth of each member.

Job requirements

You need to have:

• a Doctoral degree in Microelectronics, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), Microfabrication, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science or related fields;
• strong experience in micro/nanofabrication, materials engineering and electrical engineering;
• a self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy;
• facility and ease in working in a multi-disciplinary and challenging context;
• strong written and oral communication skills in English.

The following will make you stand out: perseverance, ambition, proactivity, collaborative attitude.

Conditions of employment

• Initial duration of contract is 1 year (temporary), with the prospect of extension for an additional year.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.