PhD position on Modeling and understanding cancer metastasis in liver using an organ-on-chip

• Hours40 hr.

• Salary indication€ 2,541 - € 3,247

• Deadline8 Dec 2022

The AMBER (Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research) group seeks a qualified candidate for a PhD position in the frame of a national project conducted in close collaboration between the University of Twente and the Erasmus Medical Centre.

The 4-year project is funded through the M2 Open Competition program of the Dutch Science Organization NWO and aims to elucidate the formation of a pre-metastatic niche in the liver, using advanced organ-on-chip models.
Liver metastasis is a lethal state for multiple cancer types, and, to date, no curative treatment is available. To develop effective therapies, the biological processes underlying the infiltration of cancer cells in the liver to establish metastases must be elucidated. However, the lack of accurate models of the liver anatomy has been a limiting factor to determine which parameters direct the fate of circulating tumour cells (CTC) in the liver.
The organ-on-chip model will be built stepwise by including successively more cellular and physiological elements of a liver sinusoid. At each developmental stage, interactions between CTCs and the model will be examined and the cell and liver model response characterized using advanced molecular analysis tools.

Your role in this project will focus on the engineering aspects of the design and fabrication of the organ-on-a-chip model and surrounding set-up, with its first-stage characterization in close collaboration with the other PhD candidate located at the Erasmus MC, whose focus will be on the advanced molecular analysis and characterization.

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below until December 8, and include:

• an application letter emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, as well as your suitability for the position,
• a detailed CV,
• a list of grades (MSc level),
• names/contact information for three or more references.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. Séverine Le Gac, via Email: [email protected]

You will work in the AMBER (Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research) group, at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences (EEMCS), University of Twente in close collaboration with the Department of Urology, Erasmus MC (Dr. Franziska Linke and Dr. Wytske van Weerden).

We are an internationally oriented group focusing on the development of innovative microfluidic and miniaturization strategies for biological and medical applications. Our activities include the development of devices for single cell and biological nanoparticle analysis, organ-on-a-chip (OoC) models for cancer research, and microfluidic solutions for reproductive biology and medicine. Ongoing research activities include analysis of molecular signals involved in cancer metastasis using a multi-OoC approach and adequate sensing strategies for molecules and single particles; analysis of the impact of plastic micro/nano particles on human health; modelling of fibrotic diseases; modelling of the female reproductive tract; and the incorporation of adequate mechanical stimulation of 3D cellular constructs in OoC models.

The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. 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. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.