PhD in Advanced in vitro modeling and biomechanical characterization of intravasation

Introduction

Are you eager to work on the development and experimental analysis of advanced microphysiological models that can help us understand how cancer spreads throughout the body? In our research team, we aim to understand a crucial step in cancer spreading: how cancer cells move into blood vessels.

Job Description

Cancer still is one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Most devastating is the ability of cancer cells to spread throughout the body in a multistep process called metastasis, the major cause for mortality. A critical step is intravasation, when cancer cells pass a blood vessel wall to enter the blood stream, and travel to another location to create a secondary tumor. However, the mechanisms of intravasation are still largely unexplored, even though it is pivotal: if we can prevent it, cancer does not spread. In the ERC-AdG research project “Intrap”, we aim to enhance our understanding of intravasation through a unique experimental approach.

We hypothesize that intravasation is critically controlled by mechanical cues like stiffness, geometry, and adhesive interactions; after all, the act of passing the vessel wall requires mechanical action of the cells: deforming, adhering, detaching, moving, and overcoming mechanical forces.  We will take a systematic approach enabling to separately control different mechanical cues, and directly observe their effect on intravasation.

We are developing an innovative microfluidic platform with a multi-chip architecture for in vitro intravasation testing. In the individual chips we create blood vessels with varying geometry and permeability, surrounded by extracellular matrices (ECM) with pre-determined mechanical properties in which different tumor cells or cell clusters with known or controlled mechanical properties are integrated. We will directly observe the intravasation process using live microscopy. Our platform will open new approaches to cancer research; our discoveries will expand our scientific knowledge of metastasis. Beyond Intrap, the obtained insights can contribute to the development of highly needed novel cancer treatments that intervene with mechanical properties of cancer cells, matrix or blood vessels.

We are looking for a PhD candidate to team up with us, focusing on:

• Creating advanced 3D cell cultures in microfluidic chips
• Biophysical engineering of cell and matrix properties through biochemical and RNA treatments
• Live cell microscopy and analysis, including development of live-cell reporters
• Mechanotransduction and mechanobiological analysis

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in biophysics, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, or mechanical engineering.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team in an academic environment
• Having interest in basic research without forgetting about its practical applications.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
• Ideal candidates have experience and/or affinity with cell biology, cell culture and analysis, live cell imaging, biophysical engineering of cells and ECM, and microfluidics.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager professor Jaap den Toonder, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Joceline Louwers-Niemarkt, management assistant, [email protected] or +31 40 247 2046.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.