Postdoc position at the Department of Developmental BioEngineering

In previous work we have developed an innovative micro-physiological cartilage-on-chip model allowing the controlled mechanical actuation of chondrocytes embedded in a cell laden hydrogel. This model is developed as a single unit which limits its use in medium to high throughput drug screening programs for the development of dearly needed drugs for osteoarthritis. The goal of this project is to develop a high-throughput 3D cartilage-on-chip  model enabling the simultaneous testing of 24 chip units in a single 96 well plate format. You will focus on producibility and processability of the new model and select materials and process techniques for the high throughput and reproducible manufacturing of this new device. In addition, you will develop a working protocol for the operation of this new model including strategies for the analysis of the model using fluorescent and/or bioluminescent imaging. In this project you will closely collaborate with TNO and the company chiron biotechnologies.

Please send your application via the ‘Apply now’ button, and include:

• A motivation letter describing why you apply for this position  and for which of the three positions you are applying
• A description of your research interests
• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Contact information (incl. email address) of at least two references who are willing to send a letter of recommendation on your behalf.

You are welcome to contact prof. dr. Marcel Karperien (Email: [email protected]) for any questions you may have.

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.