Artificial cell research has taken a tremendous flight over the past decade. Using a bottom-up assembly approach it is possible to investigate how molecular interactions can be controlled to induce intelligent behaviour, which provides a better insight in the workings of living cells. Although much progress has been made, this has been mainly achieved on individual cells, whereas in biology cells moslty operate in tissues. The challenge you address is to develop methods how to connect individual artificial cells in larger structures that show tissue-like behaviour. You investigate the possibility of tissue growth and deformation, using a range of different techniques from supramolecular chemistry to synthetic biology.
You are connected to the gravitation program Materials-Driven Regeneration (https://mdrresearch.nl/), where you work together with colleagues with much experience in the area of tissue generation. You are furthermore embedded in the bio-organic chemistry group, especially the artificial cell cluster (
https://www.tue.nl/en/research/research-groups/macromolecular-and-organic-chemistry/bio-organic-chemistry).
You have an inquisitive mind and enjoy explorative research. You are skilled in experimental work related to organic chemistry and molecular biology. You like to work in a multidisciplinary project and interact very well with your colleagues, with whom you want to collaborate. You have strongly developed communicative skills and you like to present your work, also to a broader audience.