PhD position "Synthetic Matter: Unravelling 3D Space Dynamics

PhD position "Synthetic Active Matter:
Unravelling 3D Real-Space Dynamics"

We are seeking a PhD candidate to join the Active Soft Matter Lab at the University of Twente. The project focuses on the experimental realization and study of artificial microswimmers/microrobots that can move and interact autonomously in 3D environments, mimicking the dynamics of microorganisms in fluids.

Living systems such as bacteria or algae swim, adapt, interact, and self-organize into dynamic patterns. Understanding and replicating these life-like dynamics in synthetic systems is a major challenge across physics, chemistry, biophysics, and materials science.

In this PhD project you will:

• Develop an experimental platform to study 3D self-organization of active particles.
• Fabricate and characterize light-driven microswimmers.
• Use advanced optical microscopy and particle tracking to analyze their motion and interactions. Investigate emergent behaviours such as swarming, clustering, and collective navigation in confined and complex environments.

The project will build on an interdisciplinary approach, combining concepts and methods from physics, chemistry, and mathematical modelling.

The long-term goal is to derive design principles for constructing smart, adaptive microsystems, potentially useful for targeted drug delivery, cargo transport, biosensing, microfluidic mixing, or self-healing materials.

The successful candidate will join the Active Soft Matter Lab within the TNW Faculty, the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. This position offers opportunities for collaboration with academic and industrial partners. You will work in a dynamic, highly interdisciplinary environment, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to further the understanding and applications of microswimmers.

We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who meets the following criteria:

• Educational Background: A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, or a related field at the interface between Physics and Chemistry. Candidates with an MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering are also welcome, particularly if their thesis involved soft matter.
• Experimental Skills (preferred but not mandatory): Prior experience with experimental techniques, especially in optical microscopy and colloidal particle synthesis, is a strong asset.
• Programming and Data Analysis: Working knowledge or hands-on experience with Python, ImageJ, and/or MATLAB is highly beneficial for image processing and data analysis.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English for collaboration and dissemination of research findings.

• A full-time position for four years, with a qualifier in the first year.
• Salary and conditions in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• Gross monthly salary from €3,059 in year 1 to €3,881 in year 4.
• Benefits including 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus, and a solid pension scheme.
• Minimum 232 leave hours for full-time employment; 40-hour work week with 96 extra leave hours annually.
• Free access to campus sports facilities.
• Parental leave (paid and unpaid) and family-friendly policies.
• Training as part of the Twente Graduate School with an education and supervision plan.

Selection process: Please submit your online application before 20 August 2026 for full consideration. Include the following documents:

• Cover letter detailing motivation, qualifications, and research experience for the position (max 1 page) and possible start date.
• Curriculum vitae with a list of publications (if applicable).
• Digital bachelor and master transcripts.
• Names and contact details of two references who worked closely with you.
• Applications submitted through the online portal.

Screening is part of the selection process.

Our faculty focuses on Physics, Chemistry, and Health. We are home to Tech Med, MESA+, and the Twente Graduate School. TNW offers programs in Physics, Chemistry, Nanotechnology, and Technical Medicine. We value diversity and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

Our Active Soft Matter lab is part of the Faculty of Science and Technology and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente. We focus on active soft matter and bioinspired materials.

The Faculty of Science & Technology (TNW) engages about 700 staff and 2000 students in education and research. We collaborate with industrial partners and funders, with a strong international profile and multidisciplinary institutes: MESA+ Institute, Tech Med Centre, and Digital Society Institute.

Title:

PhD position "Synthetic Active Matter:
Unravelling 3D Real-Space Dynamics"

Published: