Introduction
After a heart attack, the human heart heals largely by scarring rather than true regeneration. This PhD project aims to uncover the mechanobiological rules that push cardiac tissue toward pathological fibrosis in most animal species and toward more regenerative repair in rare animal species. You will engineer and study cross-species cardiac microtissue models and quantify how defined mechanical and biochemical cues from the cellular microenvironment shape mechanobiological tissue response to injury. You will then ambitiously use these quantitative insights to build predictive, testable mechanobiological hypotheses and identify intervention points to steer microtissue repair responses toward a more regenerative outcome.
Job Description
The research will be conducted in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) under the supervision of Prof.dr. Carlijn Bouten and Dr. Vito Conte, within the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM) group. Prof. Bouten’s research aims to understand and harness how cells interact with their mechanical and biochemical environments to engineer regenerative, self-guided living tissues, while Dr. Conte’s research applies principles from physics and engineering to decipher how tissues organize and remodel in health and disease using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In this PhD project, you will develop engineered, cross-species cardiac microtissue models to uncover mechanobiological rules that bias repair toward fibrosis in most species versus more regenerative healing in rare species. Using controlled injury assays and quantitative readouts of tissue organization, mechanics, and signaling, you will build predictive, testable hypotheses and evaluate microenvironmental strategies to steer repair responses. As part of the STEM group, you will have access to the Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering and state-of-the-art infrastructure at the international forefront of engineered living tissues. This project is experimental at its core and requires a candidate with a strong background in biomedical engineering or mechanobiology. It demands confidence with quantitative experimentation, mammalian cell culture and microscopy, and an interest in combining wet-lab work with advanced analysis and modelling of complex datasets. Experience with biomaterials, microtissue engineering, mechanobiological assays and/or image-based quantification is advantageous but not essential.
Job Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic and talented candidates to join our growing and ambitious research team. You should have/be:
- A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in biomedical engineering, (bio)physics or bioengineering;
- Demonstrable experience with mammalian cell culture and experimental assays, preferably including microscopy and quantitative data analysis;
- A research-oriented attitude;
- Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and effectively communicate scientific ideas, foster collaborations, and a capability for independent thinking;
- Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students;
- Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).
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.
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 Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Vito Conte, [email protected] and Prof. dr. Carlijn Bouten, [email protected].
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HR advisors, [email protected].
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.
- Academic transcript.
- A digital copy of your MSc thesis (if applicable).
Only complete applications will be considered. Screening of applicants will start as soon as applications are received and will continue until the position is filled. The starting date of the position is flexible but not later than 1 June 2026.
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.
Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Salary: Scale P
Number of positions: 1
Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE
City: Eindhoven
County: Noord-Brabant
Country: Netherlands
Reference number: 2026/167
Published: 2026-03-16
Last application date: 2026-06-30
