Postdoctoral position on Biomaterials for cardiovascular applications
Acute and chronic coronary artery diseases are leading causes of deaths worldwide, demanding new advanced healthcare strategies to mitigate this risk, including the development of biomaterials and interdisciplinary approaches. In this project, we will develop hydrogel-based adhesives for topical application to the heart. These materials will locally release active principles capable of providing a better recovery to the heart muscle after medical procedures.
As a Postdoc working on this interdisciplinary project, you will oversee the formulation and characterization of smart in-situ crosslinking hydrogels, which can release therapeutics. In collaboration with other partners, you will be involved in testing the performance of optimized biomaterials in in-vitro and ex-vivo heart models. You will closely interact with researchers from the Netherlands and Brazil.
The DBE (Developmental BioEngineering) group seeks a qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral position for a project that aims to develop smart in-situ crosslinking hydrogels, capable to locally deliver therapeutics to the heart.
Cardiovascular diseases are the primary causes of death and disability worldwide; especially
myocardial infarction, which is the consequence of coronary artery occlusion. In this project, we aim at developing hydrogel-based adhesives for topical application to the heart. These materials will locally release active principles capable of providing a better recovery to the heart muscle after coronary artery bypass graft surgeries or intracoronary stents implantation.
Your role in this project will initially be to synthesize in-situ crosslinking hydrogels, with defined mechanical and bioadhesive properties, and presenting encapsulated active principles. You will then optimize the biomaterial formulations to achieve sustained release of those therapeutics, and you will quantify this process by various (molecular) techniques. Moreover, together with researchers at TU Eindhoven, you will test the biological properties of these materials in vitro. Furthermore, in collaboration with researchers at University of Campinas (Brazil), you will test the performance of these biomaterials in an ex-vivo setting.
This Postdoc position is part of a larger 5-year binational project, funded by the Dutch Science Organization (NWO) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). The project is conducted in close collaboration between the University of Twente and TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and the University of Campinas in Brazil as well as various industrial and societal partners. Short internship periods overseas are envisioned as part of the program.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before the 15th of October 2024, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4, font size 11), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, and motivation to apply for this specific position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, with a list of publications.
- Names/contact information for 2-3 references.
- Academic transcripts of your education (BSc, MSc, PhD).
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure.
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Dr. Julieta Paez
Email: j.i.paez@utwente.nl
About the department
You will work in the DBE (Developmental BioEngineering) research group, at the Faculty of Science and Technology (S&T), University of Twente.
The department of Developmental Bioengineering DBE is a dynamic and international research group where technology-inspired solutions are developed for important biomedical challenges. We have a vast background and established expertise in macromolecular chemistry, advanced biomaterials, micro-technologies, tissue engineering and bioprinting. The department provides a cutting edge infrastructure for biomaterials science, bioengineering and (bio and micro)fabrication as well as personal mentorship by renowned principle investigators. But most importantly, we offer a career-development oriented, highly sociable, and fun work environment.
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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