The DBE (Developmental BioEngineering) group seeks a qualified candidate for a Postdoctoral position for a project that aims to develop smart in-situ crosslinking hydrogels, capable to locally deliver therapeutics to the heart.

Cardiovascular diseases are the primary causes of death and disability worldwide; especially

myocardial infarction, which is the consequence of coronary artery occlusion. In this project, we aim at developing hydrogel-based adhesives for topical application to the heart. These materials will locally release active principles capable of providing a better recovery to the heart muscle after coronary artery bypass graft surgeries or intracoronary stents implantation.

Your role in this project will initially be to synthesize in-situ crosslinking hydrogels, with defined mechanical and bioadhesive properties, and presenting encapsulated active principles. You will then optimize the biomaterial formulations to achieve sustained release of those therapeutics, and you will quantify this process by various (molecular) techniques. Moreover, together with researchers at TU Eindhoven, you will test the biological properties of these materials in vitro. Furthermore, in collaboration with researchers at University of Campinas (Brazil), you will test the performance of these biomaterials in an ex-vivo setting.

This Postdoc position is part of a larger 5-year binational project, funded by the Dutch Science Organization (NWO) and the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP). The project is conducted in close collaboration between the University of Twente and TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands, and the University of Campinas in Brazil as well as various industrial and societal partners. Short internship periods overseas are envisioned as part of the program.

• You have a PhD degree in (polymer) chemistry, chemical engineering, materials chemistry, bioengineering or similar; with strong affinity for macromolecular chemistry and soft matter for biomedical applications.
• You have working experience with the synthesis, functionalization and characterization of polymers; hydrogels formulation, biomaterials characterization and analysis.
• You (preferably) have working experience in cell culture and tissue engineering.
• You are willing to be trained in complementary research activities (for example, cell biology, 3D bioprinting, microfluidics, etc).
• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher, precise, and reliable.
• You are independent, pro-active, and have a well-structured working style
• You have a creative mindset and excellent analytical and communication skills.
• You have a good team spirit and affinity to work in an interdisciplinary and international environment.
• You are proficient in English for communication, both in writing and oral.
• You have affinity for training and supervision of students working on the same research line.

• As a Postdoc at the UT, you will be appointed to a full-time position for 2 years, within a very stimulating and exciting scientific environment;
• The University offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues;
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU);
• The salary amounts, depending on education and experience, minimal 4.020,- to a maximum of € 5.278,- gross per month in case of a fulltime employment.
• 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;
• A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
• Free access to sports facilities on campus
• Opportunities for professional and personal growth.

You will work in the DBE (Developmental BioEngineering) research group, at the Faculty of Science and Technology (S&T), University of Twente.

The department of Developmental Bioengineering DBE is a dynamic and international research group where technology-inspired solutions are developed for important biomedical challenges. We have a vast background and established expertise in macromolecular chemistry, advanced biomaterials, micro-technologies, tissue engineering and bioprinting. The department provides a cutting edge infrastructure for biomaterials science, bioengineering and (bio and micro)fabrication as well as personal mentorship by renowned principle investigators. But most importantly, we offer a career-development oriented, highly sociable, and fun work environment.