Postdoc AI-Driven Biofabrication and Process Control

Overview

Develop scientific machine learning and control methods for biofabrication and contribute to next generation biomedical and sustainable technologies.

Job description

Are you an ambitious researcher in applied mathematics or machine learning who wants to develop new methods, apply them in practice, and contribute to real-world impact? We invite applications for a postdoctoral position in the Numerical Analysis group at the Delft Institute of Applied Mathematics (DIAM), part of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics & Computer Science (EEMCS) at TU Delft.

The position is embedded in the NWO Perspectief Project FAB4

FUTURE, an interdisciplinary programme that develops next-generation biofabrication technologies for regenerative medicine and sustainable food production. A central goal is to create an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven toolbox for the bioprinting process, enabling accurate, efficient, and scalable control of complex biofabrication workflows.

The project brings together a broad consortium of academic partners, including Delft University of Technology, Maastricht University, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht University, and Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. It further includes industrial partners such as Axolotl, Demcon, Mosa Meat B.V., Poietis, RD Innovation, ReGEN Biomedical B.V., Scinus, and Xolo. Societal partners include Cellulaire Agricultuur Nederland, Dutch Cardio Vascular Alliance, Good Food Institute Europe, and Stichting AVS Proefdiervrij, ensuring strong links between fundamental research, technological development, and real-world application.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will develop scientific machine learning methods for modeling and control of biofabrication processes, with a focus on cell and material deposition in soft, deformable biological systems. You will design approaches based on state-of-the-art techniques, such as convolutional neural networks, transformer models, operator learning, and optimization and control methods, while embedding morphoelastic and biomechanical models into the learning process.

Your work will contribute directly to the AI-driven toolbox through predictive modeling, parameter optimization, and real-time control of the bioprinting process. You will apply and validate these methods on experimental data in close collaboration with leading biofabrication groups at UMC Utrecht and Maastricht University. This includes the development of surrogate models, inverse modeling, and integrated learning and control strategies. You will leverage experimental data from these partners while contributing insights to refine and improve biofabrication hardware and protocols.

This position offers a unique opportunity to advance scientific machine learning for control while contributing to impactful technologies in healthcare and sustainability. You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and are encouraged to actively shape the research direction, publish in leading venues, and build collaborations across disciplines.

Job requirements

You have:

• A PhD degree in applied mathematics, computational science, machine learning, or a closely related field
• Strong expertise in numerical and scientific computing, including scientific machine learning
• Strong programming skills (preferably Python or Julia) and the ability to work with additional scientific computing tools
• A background in, or strong interest in, biomechanics and the modeling of soft biological tissues

The following are considered advantages:

• Experience with operator learning methods (e.g., neural operators, DeepONet, Fourier neural operators)
• Experience with inverse problems, optimization, and control of PDE-based systems
• Experience with image data processing and modeling
• Experience in interdisciplinary collaborations

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) is a leading international university combining science, engineering and design. It conducts research and education across energy, climate, health, mobility and digital society. The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines and supports world-class research and innovation. The department values diversity and engagement and aims to provide a welcoming environment for all staff and students.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply and will be considered fairly.

Conditions of employment

• We offer a temporary contract for 12 months, with the possibility of extension up to a maximum of 28 months.
• A job of 32-38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for…