Postdoctoral: Advance Microfluidic Technology for COPD Therapy at the University of Twente, Netherlands

Summary

The University of Twente (UT) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoc to join the Leijten Laboratory within the Department of BioEngineering Technologies. This is a fully paid, two-year position as part of a competitive national consortium (NWO-Perspectief: RecovAir) focused on developing novel delivery methods for lung therapeutics to treat COPD.

Job Details

Job Description

As a Postdoc in this role, you will work on the multidisciplinary interface of microtechnology, materials science, physics, engineering, and stem-cell biology. Your primary responsibilities include:

• Device Development: Exploring the development and fabrication of an advanced, patent-pending microfluidic device to improve its functional performance.
• Fundamental Research: Investigating the platform’s capacity for full aqueous (ATPS) production at MHz speeds, potentially utilizing physics principles previously unused in microfluidic devices.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Interfacing with clinicians, cell biologists, and pharmacologists to develop novel methods for regenerating lung tissue.
• Innovation & Valorization: Exploring entrepreneurial applications and the possibility of founding a spin-off company based on the developed technology.
• Professional Development: Receiving training in microdevice fabrication, micromaterial production, cell encapsulation, advanced (photo)polymerization, and materials characterization.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• Education: PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or an equivalent.
• Core Skills: Strong background in microfluidics, microtechnology, biomaterials, and cell-biomaterial interaction.
• Experience: Proven experience in microengineering, microdevice fabrication, and material characterization is required. Experience in fluid physics, hydrogels, cell culture, and optical analysis is a benefit.
• Soft Skills: Excellent analytical, social, and communication skills (fluent in English). A creative, critical, and solution-oriented mindset.
• Motivation: Strong interest in entrepreneurial activities and the motivation to potentially start a spin-off company.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application via the official Apply Now portal before the deadline, including:

1. Video: A short video (~2 minutes) describing your scientific interests, background, and motivation.
2. Cover Letter: Max 1 page A4 (plus a second page summarizing your PhD work).
3. CV: Including a list of courses/grades, publications, and references (one must be your PhD supervisor).
4. Language Proof: Valid English proficiency test scores (IELTS 6.5, TOEFL-iBT 90, or Cambridge CAE-C) for applicants with non-Dutch qualifications.

For substantive questions, you may contact Prof. dr. Jeroen Leijten at jeroen.leijten@utwente.nl.

Last Date to Apply

31 July 2026

Link