Postdoc in Electro-Mechanical Organ-on-Chip Devices

The ECTM group at TU Delft is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated post-doctoral researcher to develop the integration of innovative electro-mechanical sensors in an advanced OoC platform.

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. The research will be conducted in collaboration with fellow doctoral and post-doctoral researchers affiliated with the international project partners.

Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM)

Be part of a leading research team with great track record in micro/nanotechnology. You’ll be working at the Electronic Components, Technology and Materials (ECTM) section of the Department of Microelectronics from the 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.

Requirements

You need to have:

• a doctoral degree in electronic engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science or related fields;
• strong experience in micro/nanofabrication, materials engineering and bioengineering;
• self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy;
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

The following will make you stand out: Perseverance, ambition, experience with working in (international) projects.

TU Delft (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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is one year with prospect of extension with 2 more years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.