PhD researcher on the miniaturisation and integration of modular flow control components for microfluidic systems

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Deadline: 15 Jun 2022

Taking the benefits of microfluidics from lab to application.

Microfluidics technology is an important enabler for many applications in life-sciences, health care and chemical / pharma industry. An example is the upcoming field of Organ-On-Chip (OOC), in which organ functions and their biophysical environment are mimicked on a chip. The processes of organ and medium interaction are studied on a chip, reducing the need for animal testing. However, current microfluidics technology, particularly the ancillary components like pumps, flow controllers and switch-valves are all bulky and this is a bottleneck in creating complex microfluidic systems. There are examples of small form factor components, however, these are often not designed from a modular integration perspective. We are on a mission to build a novel generic design system that uses a modular approach consisting of miniaturized flow control components that allows easy configuration, integration and operation of complex microfluidic systems for research and industrial purposes. The challenge is to create a generic design methodology, develop novel miniaturized flow control components, standardize compatibility between fluid control components and demonstrate the feasibility of modular integration of miniaturized components for select OOC devices.  

You have a MSc degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Micro/Nano Engineering, Electrical Engineering or (Engineering) Physics. Preferably, you have experience in microfluidics, FEM simulations, microfabrication, basic electronics and advanced micro-manufacturing techniques including 2D/3D printing. As part of your PhD thesis, you will focus on understanding the physics of flow control components, and, based on that understanding, come up with innovative concepts and design proposals. Design proposals will be supported by analytical and numerical models. You will create a design methodology, realize your micro-fluidic component designs and characterize their performance. You will be trained to use our high-level laboratory with advanced micro-nano manufacturing, imaging and characterization equipment. You will build a system-level demonstrator of a complex microfluidic system for OOC applications. You will collaborate with various companies and medical researchers. 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Murali K Ghatkesar ([email protected] ), or Prof. Joost Lötters ([email protected] )

For information about the application procedure, please contact Irina Bruckner, HR advisor, [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by June 15, 2022 via the application buttun and upload your motivation and CV.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. 


Taking the benefits of microfluidics from lab to application.

Microfluidics technology is an important enabler for many applications in life-sciences, health care and chemical / pharma industry. An example is the upcoming field of Organ-On-Chip (OOC), in which organ functions and their biophysical environment are mimicked on a chip. The processes of organ and medium interaction are studied on a chip, reducing the need for animal testing. However, current microfluidics technology, particularly the ancillary components like pumps, flow controllers and switch-valves are all bulky and this is a bottleneck in creating complex microfluidic systems. There are examples of small form factor components, however, these are often not designed from a modular integration perspective. We are on a mission to build a novel generic design system that uses a modular approach consisting of miniaturized flow control components that allows easy configuration, integration and operation of complex microfluidic systems for research and industrial purposes. The challenge is to create a generic design methodology, develop novel miniaturized flow control components, standardize compatibility between fluid control components and demonstrate the feasibility of modular integration of miniaturized components for select OOC devices.  

You have a MSc degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Micro/Nano Engineering, Electrical Engineering or (Engineering) Physics. Preferably, you have experience in microfluidics, FEM simulations, microfabrication, basic electronics and advanced micro-manufacturing techniques including 2D/3D printing. As part of your PhD thesis, you will focus on understanding the physics of flow control components, and, based on that understanding, come up with innovative concepts and design proposals. Design proposals will be supported by analytical and numerical models. You will create a design methodology, realize your micro-fluidic component designs and characterize their performance. You will be trained to use our high-level laboratory with advanced micro-nano manufacturing, imaging and characterization equipment. You will build a system-level demonstrator of a complex microfluidic system for OOC applications. You will collaborate with various companies and medical researchers. 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2443 per month in the first year to € 3122 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct ). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

The Faculty of 3mE carries out pioneering research, leading to new fundamental insights and challenging applications in the field of mechanical engineering. From large-scale energy storage, medical instruments, control technology and robotics to smart materials, nanoscale structures and autonomous ships. The foundations and results of this research are reflected in outstanding, contemporary education, inspiring students and PhD candidates to become socially engaged and responsible engineers and scientists. The faculty of 3mE is a dynamic and innovative faculty with an international scope and high-tech lab facilities. Research and education focus on the design, manufacture, application and modification of products, materials, processes and mechanical devices, contributing to the development and growth of a sustainable society, as well as prosperity and welfare.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? This video will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Murali K Ghatkesar ([email protected] ), or Prof. Joost Lötters ([email protected] )

For information about the application procedure, please contact Irina Bruckner, HR advisor, [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by June 15, 2022 via the application buttun and upload your motivation and CV.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.

You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated. 



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