PhD position on microfluidics for health: molecular imaging and drug delivery with microbubbles and ultrasound

Job title:

PhD position on microfluidics for health: molecular imaging and drug delivery with microbubbles and ultrasound

Company:

Universiteit Twente

Job description

Hours40 hr.Salary indicationSalary gross/monthly
based on full-time€ 2,770 – € 3,539Deadline12 Aug 2024Join our research team and embark on a multidisciplinary PhD journey on experimental microfluidics with a high-impact application in health: molecular imaging and drug delivery with targeted microbubbles and ultrasound. We search for a highly motivated candidate with strong hands on and creative experimental skills.In this project, you will work on the production and characterization of novel phospholipid-coated monodisperse microbubbles with a shell functionalized with antibodies that can bind to diseased tissue [1]. When these bubbles are driven by ultrasound, they’ll start to volumetrically oscillate and thereby generate a strong echo. Thus, antibody-functionalized microbubbles in combination with ultrasound imaging can be used for disease diagnosis. Additionally, the oscillating bubbles can create pores in the cell membrane and vascular wall such that they can also be used for drug delivery.The ultrasound-driven bubble oscillations, and thus the bubble echo, have a strong dependency on many parameters including (i) the microbubble size, (ii) the binding characteristics, (iii) whether the bubble is bound or non-bound to a boundary or diseased cell, (iv) the viscoelastic properties of the stabilizing phospholipid shell, (v) the ultrasound driving frequency and acoustic pressure, and (vi) the properties of the surrounding medium including confinement. However, the physical dependence of the bubble oscillations on the huge parameter space remains elusive [2].It will be your goal in this project to further our understanding of ultrasound-driven bubble oscillations of functionalized microbubbles and their interaction with surrounding boundaries and artificial tissues. You will be trained to use ultra-high-speed (fluorescence) microscopy imaging, confocal imaging, ultrasound imaging using a research ultrasound scanner, and cell culture in organ on-chip devices.You will work in the dynamic and multidisciplinary BIOS/Lab on a Chip group, which is part of the Max Planck Center Twente for Complex Fluid Dynamics, the J.M. Burgers Research Center for Fluid Mechanics (JMBC), and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. As such, you are surrounded by world-leading scientists on all aspects of the project, with whom you are encouraged to collaborate. You are also encouraged to follow additional training in relevant courses and training programmes, and to visit conferences and summer/winter schools on relevant topics. Your direct colleagues are friendly and active; they organize many after-work activities.[1] E. Stride, T. Segers, G. Lajoinie, S. Cherkaoui, T. Bettinger, M. Versluis, and M. Borden. Microbubble agents: new directions. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology 46(6), 1326-1346 (2020).[2] M. Versluis, E. Stride, G. Lajoinie, B. Dollet, and T. Segers. Ultrasound contrast agents modeling: a review. Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology 46(9), 2117-2144 (2020).Your profile

• You have a strong background in biomedical engineering, (applied) physics, mechanical engineering, or in a closely related discipline.
• You are enthusiastic and highly motivated to do a PhD and are driven by curiosity.
• You have a technical background with experimental experience and are creative in the lab.
• Knowledge on fluid mechanics, microfluidics, microscopy, optics, and experience in image and data analysis and cell culture are a plus.
• You have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.

Our offer

• We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring and stimulating international work environment.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities (cleanroom, ultra-high-speed cameras, lasers, etc).
• You will be embedded in a dynamic research group with colleagues working on similar topics.
• Additionally, the University of Twente is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development and offers a wide variety of sports facilities.
• You will follow a high-quality personalized educational program.
• The research will result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of 4 years with a gross monthly salary ranging from € 2.770,- (first year) to € 3.539,- (fourth year).
• There are excellent benefits including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.

Information and applicationAre you interested in this position? Please send your application via the ‘Apply now’ button below before August 12th, and include:

• A motivational letter (1 page max) describing why you want to apply for this precise position including your research interests/experience and how they connect to this position.
• A detailed CV.
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
• Name and email addresses of at least two visible references who are willing to send a recommendation letter on your behalf.
• An interview with a scientific presentation on your previous work will be part of the interview process.

Potential applicants are encouraged to apply to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tim Segers, [email protected]Share this vacancyAbout the organisationThe faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow’s digital society. 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. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.Want to know more?Segers, T.J. (Tim)
Associate ProfessorSegers, T.J. (Tim)
Associate ProfessorDo you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Tim for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Expected salary

Location

Enschede, Overijssel

Job date

Sat, 20 Jul 2024 01:35:08 GMT

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