Scholarship Summary
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on developing microfluidic contact lenses for controlled tear collection and analysis. The project combines microfluidics, microfabrication, biomaterials, sensors, and wearable healthcare to support non-invasive disease detection and continuous health monitoring.
PhD Scholarship in Microfluidic Contact Lenses for Controlled Tear Collection and Analysis at TU/e
Scholarship Details
- Designation: PhD Candidate
- University: Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)
- Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Research Group: Microsystems Research Section
- Employment Type: Full-time, four-year PhD appointment
- Salary: €3,204 to €4,051 gross per month, based on full-time employment
- Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Application Deadline: Open until the position is filled
Research Area
- Microfluidics and microvalve technologies
- Microfabrication and cleanroom processing
- Hydrogel and soft materials engineering
- BioMEMS and biosensors
- Wearable healthcare technologies
- Controlled tear-fluid collection and analysis
- Non-invasive diagnostics and continuous health monitoring
Location
The position is based at Eindhoven University of Technology in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The successful candidate will join the Microsystems research section within the Department of Mechanical Engineering and have access to the Microfab/lab, a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Hold an MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Microtechnology, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Have experience in at least one relevant area, such as microfluidics, microfabrication, bioMEMS, biosensors, sensors, or biomaterials.
- Demonstrate an interest in hands-on experimental research and fundamental scientific investigation.
- Be able to plan, execute, and manage research projects independently while meeting deadlines.
- Possess strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Be comfortable working in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.
- Be fluent in spoken and written English at C1 level.
Preferred Experience
- Cleanroom fabrication and other microfabrication techniques.
- Hydrogel materials or soft-material engineering.
- Development and characterization of biosensors or related sensor systems.
Scholarship Description
Tears contain biomarkers associated with ocular and systemic conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. Existing tear-collection methods can alter tear composition, making reliable measurements difficult and limiting the clinical use of tear-based diagnostics.
The selected PhD candidate will develop innovative microfluidic contact lenses capable of collecting and analyzing tear fluid in a controlled, non-invasive manner. The research will integrate microchannels, microvalves, and sensing functions into curved soft-hydrogel contact lenses, contributing to a new generation of wearable diagnostic devices.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop microfluidic architectures and microvalves for contact-lens applications.
- Use advanced microfabrication methods to integrate microfluidic systems into curved hydrogel lenses.
- Investigate fluid transport, sensing performance, and material behavior in hydrogel-based microsystems.
- Publish findings in leading scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
- Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
- Support teaching and supervise BSc and MSc students.
Funding and Benefits
- Full-time employment for four years, subject to an intermediate assessment after nine months.
- Gross monthly salary of €3,204 to €4,051 under salary scale P.
- Eight percent holiday allowance and an 8.3 percent year-end bonus.
- Paid leave and participation in the ABP pension scheme.
- Training and support for professional and scientific development.
- Access to advanced technical infrastructure and campus facilities.
- Commuting, home-working, and internet allowances.
- Immigration assistance and a tax compensation scheme for eligible international candidates.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online application portal. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. Candidates should provide all requested documents because complete applications will receive priority.
Required Documents
- A cover letter explaining your motivation and qualifications for the position.
- A curriculum vitae, including a publication list.
- Contact details for three references.
Applicants are advised to notify their references when submitting an application, as TU/e may contact them at any stage of the recruitment process.
Last Date to Apply
The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled, and applications will be screened as they are received. Interested candidates should apply as early as possible.
Apply Link
Apply online for the TU/e PhD position
Contact Information
For research-related questions, contact Dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira at i.c.figueiredo.pereira@tue.nl. For recruitment questions, contact HR Services at hrservices.me@tue.nl.
