PhD position (2) MESOTAS

Location: Enschede
Function types: Postdoc positions
Scientific fields: Engineering
Hours: 38.0 hours per week
Salary: € 2042 - € 2612
Education: University Graduate
Job number: 176330


Job description
The University of Twente offers two positions to perform research on microfluidically vascularized 3D-neuronal cell-culture models in combination with microelectrode array (MEA) technology. Microsystems offer a unique geometry for studying computational neuronal functions in-vitro. A microfluidically optimized scaffold will provide a new culture system with artificial vascularized properties allowing for reliable, naturally mimicking and sustained behaviour for 3D co-cultured neuronal networks. Miniaturized analytical methods should be integrated with MEA technology to provide a unique micro-culture environment, which will allow us stringent culture control and subsequently correlation of electrophysiologic and neurochemical information. To design and select appropriate technological solutions for this multidisciplinary system engineering formal design methodology will be applied.

There are two positions vacant that are sponsored by the European Research Council within Luttge’s “ERC Starting- grant” , a prestigious personal European Research Award, which has started 1. October 2011. The PhD students will collaborate in the project with the research chair Clinical Neurophysiology (prof. Van Putten) (www.utwente.nl/mira/research/neural_and_motor_systems/cnph/ ) at University of Twente’s Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine. One position will be on experimental neuroscience research at the boundary with nanotechnology, including computational models. Depending on the candidate’s profile and motivation a selection for either one of the positions will be made.
These positions at the University of Twente, within the MESA+, Institute for Nanotechnology provide challenging opportunities to carry out multidisciplinary research within the themes ‘Microfluidics’, ‘Microreactors’, and ‘‘Nanotechnology’. We provide an unique environment with exposure to a multitude of disciplines in physics and chemistry for academically gifted and motivated students to prepare for a scientific career.

Requirements
You are an enthusiastic student with an MSc degree in Micro- and Nanotechnology or other Engineering Sciences as well as Applied Physics. Degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences will be considered. You have a background and a demonstrable interest in microfluidics and nanofabrication of devices, and preferably experience with clean room techniques. You are excited by the prospect of creating novel systems for (bio)chemical or pharmaceutical applications which may lead to a paradigm shift in the field of cell screening process technology, tissue engineering and specifically in neuroscience and -technology. We are looking for pro-active researchers willing to devote the first period of their (scientific) career on the topics listed above. We ask for good communicative and good collaboration skills. Candidates should be prepared to prove their English language skills. As a research outcome we expect (prototype) devices, publications, and a PhD thesis.

Starting date of the position: one of the positions as soon as possible.
For further information you may contact R. Luttge by email (see website of MCS group: www.utwente.nl/tnw/mcs )
Your application should consist of:
-a cover letter (explain your specific interest, motivation for a PhD position and qualifications),
-a full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses + marks,
-a short description of your MSc thesis,
-references (contact information) of at least two scientific staff members.

Conditions of employment
-A PhD position for four years (38 hrs/week)
-A stimulating scientific environment
-Gross salary ranging from € 2042 to € 2612 (4th yr) per month
-Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
-Excellent facilities for professional and personal development.
-Good secondary conditions
-A green Campus with lots of sports facilities

Organisation
The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and more than 1100 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes IMPACT, MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

More information about employer University of Twente (UT) on AcademicTransfer. Direct link to this job opening: