Postdoc position microfluidic mass production of therapeutic microgels

Postdoc position on microfluidic mass production of therapeutic microgels

We offer an impactful postdoc position in the Leijten Laboratory within the Department of Bio Engineering Technologies as part of the National consortium (NWO‑Perspectief: Recov Air). In this consortium, we develop novel delivery methods for lung therapeutics by microfluidic devices, nanomaterials, pharmacological compounds, advanced in‑vitro models, and therapeutic cells to treat COPD.

- Utilize the department’s advanced microfluidic devices (patent pending) to develop and fabricate tools for next‑generation micro materials used by the consortium partners.

- Improve device performance and investigate production of living microgels, focusing on full aqueous (ATPS) production at MHz speeds.

- Explore physics principles not previously applied in microfluidics to achieve large production rate gains.

- Investigate the platform’s capacity for scalable production and its application in lung tissue regeneration.

- Interface with clinicians, cell biologists, and pharmacologists to translate the platform into therapeutic strategies.

- Conduct microdevice fabrication, micromaterial production, cell encapsulation, advanced (photo) polymerization, material characterization, cell culture, and write high‑impact scientific publications.

- Explore opportunities to commercialise the technology, including founding a spin‑off company.

• PhD or equivalent master’s in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Strong analytical and solution‑oriented problem‑solving skills.
• Experience in microengineering, microdevice fabrication, micro‑materials characterization, or related techniques; knowledge in fluid physics, hydrogels, cell culture, or advanced optical analysis is a benefit.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Interest in entrepreneurship and motivation to start a spin‑off company.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

• Fully paid, full‑time position for two years under Dutch universities CAO.
• Gross monthly salary €4,241–€5,538, commensurate with education and experience.
• Holiday allowance of 8 % of gross annual salary and end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3 %.
• Pension scheme.
• 232 minimum leave hours for full‑time work (38‑hour week), plus additional 96 hours for 40‑hour practice.
• Parental leave, family‑friendly policies.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research facilities and professional development programs.
• Mentorship and supportive work atmosphere.