The prospective postdoc will operate as member of a NWO-XL consortium. The postdoc position is available immediately. In this project, we investigate and improve the chondrogenic differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells within engineered 3D microenvironments at single cell resolution. This project is a collaborative efforts which is a supported by various other groups including a mathematician and systems biologist at University of Twente as well as a geneticist and cell biologist from Leiden University Medical Centre.
The aim of the presently available PhD-position is use state-of-the-art in-house developed microfluidic devices to produce micrometer-sized hydrogels containing a single induced pluripotent stem cells. Specific attention will be given to the material engineering of desirable properties that guide the survival and function of the microencapsulated cells. The resulting micromaterials will be analyzed in depth based on rheology and cellular performance. After lead candidate selection, you will collaborate with a cell biologist from Leiden University Medical Centre to differentiate the induced pluripotent stem cells into the chondrogenic lineage. You will therefore work on the multidisciplinary interface of materials science, tissue engineering, polymer chemistry, and stem cell biology. This will develop a wide skill set which will include synthesis of modified polymers, hydrogel development, biomaterials characterization, microfluidic devices, rheological expertise, and cell culture and differentiation as well as writing of high impact scientific publications.
Information and application
Your reaction should include an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation, a detailed CV, and an academic transcript of M.Sc. education and PhD-degree. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply via the provided button below.
For more information about the position, you are encouraged to contact Prof. Dr. Jeroen Leijten (jeroen.leijten@utwente.nl).
Please apply via the button below.
About the department
The postdoc will work in the Leijten Lab, which is part of the department of Developmental Bioengineering. The department of Developmental BioEngineering is a research group with a highly international character and is recognized as a Centre of Excellence and part of the Technical Medical Centre of the University of Twente. Our main goal is to investigate and explore the potential of novel (micro)technologies in the field of Regenerative Medicine. Leijten lab has a strong history in the development of various biofabrication technologies and advanced biomaterials, which have been leveraged to create a family of next-generation bioinks for various biomedical applications and advanced biomanufacturing.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. 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 and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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