Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to fluid accumulation within the eye. If untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. To manage this condition, glaucoma drainage devices - tube-like shunts - are surgically implanted to lower IOP by creating an outflow pathway for the fluid. However, these devices are typically passive, meaning they have a fixed hydrodynamic resistance due to their fixed lumen diameter. This rigidity can lead to complications such as hypotony, a condition where IOP drops too low (< 5 mmHg) due to excessive fluid drainage caused by improper hydrodynamic resistance of the implant.

This postdoc project aims to develop a novel miniature glaucoma implant with an integrated magnetic valve system, enabling non-invasive adjustment of the implant's hydrodynamic resistance post-surgery to address each patient's specific needs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a Minimal Viable Product that can proceed to clinical trials and potentially be commercialized. The project involves designing a new microvalve system, integrating it into a miniature glaucoma drainage device, and extensively testing the implant's performance through in vitro microfluidic experiments and ex vivo tests. Additionally, you will prepare functional prototypes for in vivo animal experiments.

Job Description

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting over 70 million people worldwide, with projections reaching 112 million by 2040. The primary risk factor is high intraocular pressure (IOP), due to a dysfunction in the eye's fluidic system. While current glaucoma drainage devices aim to reduce IOP by providing an alternative route for aqueous humor to exit the eye, these devices lack the ability to adjust fluid outflow post-implantation, leading to challenges in managing IOP effectively.

This project seeks to revolutionize glaucoma management by developing an innovative drainage device with an integrated magnetic microvalve system. This system will allow non-invasive adjustment of IOP using an external magnetic actuator.

As a Postdoc on this project, you will:

• Design, implement, and test a magnetic valving system that can reliably open and close microfluidic channels within the implant.
• Ensure the system meets criteria for reproducibility, long-term stability under bodily conditions, biocompatibility, and seamless integration into a minimally invasive glaucoma implant.
• Perform theoretical and numerical work to predict implant performance and guide prototype development.
• Integrate the chosen valving principle into a miniature glaucoma drainage device and build a proof-of-concept device.
• Validate the device's performance through in vitro and ex vivo microfluidic experiments, and prepare functional prototypes for in vivo testing in rabbits.

This position is funded by the NWO Demonstrator project 'EyeFlow', which aims to develop a magnetically adjustable glaucoma implant to the level of a Minimal Viable Product, suitable for clinical trials and potential commercialization. The project involves collaboration with Prof.dr. Henny Beckers from Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), and the industry partner InnFocus Inc., a Santen company in the USA.

Embedding

The postdoc researcher will be embedded in the Microsystems research section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, headed by prof.dr.ir. Jaap den Toonder, and will be supervised by Dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira and Prof.dr.ir. Jaap den Toonder. The Microsystems group manages the Microfab/lab, a state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility that houses a range of micro manufacturing technologies - microfluidics technology is one of the main research pillars of the group. There will be also a close collaboration with the Glaucoomkliniek (glaucoma clinic) at University of Eye Clinic of MUMC+, headed by Prof.dr. Henny Beckers.

We seek a motivated researcher with a PhD in mechanical or biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field. The ideal candidate should:

• Have experience in microfluidics, microfabrication, actuators, and (bio)medical devices.
• Enjoy working in a multidisciplinary academic environment and have the ability to conduct high-quality academic and applied research, reflected in demonstratable outputs.
• Be skilled in practical laboratory work and able to develop and apply theoretical skills to gain a fundamental understanding of the subject matter.
• Be comfortable with animal experimentation, as you may assist in in vivo experiments conducted by other project partners.
• Be proficient in English (spoken and written), possess strong project management skills, including the ability to complete tasks on schedule, and demonstrate a proactive, independent work ethic.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• An exciting job in a dynamic work environment and a multidisciplinary consortium.
• A full time appointment for 1,5 years by Eindhoven University of Technology (www.tue.nl/en), with an expected start date no later than February 2025.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. €4,020 max. €5,278).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs on general skills, didactics and topics related to research and valorization.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• Partially paid parental leave and an allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A TU/e Postdoc Association that helps you to build a stronger and broader academic and personal network, and offers tailored support, training and workshops.
• A Staff Immigration Team is available for international candidates, as are a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) and a compensation for moving expenses.