Postdoc position on microfluidic mass production of therapeutic microgels

Job description

Are you passionate about combining microfluidic technology, material science, device engineering, and cell therapeutic strategies towards real-world applications ? We offer an impactful postdoc position in the Leijten Laboratory within the Department of BioEngineering Technologies as part of a recently funded National consortium (NWO-Perspectief: RecovAir). In this consortium, we develop novel delivery methods for lung therapeutics by microfluidic devices, nanomaterials, pharmacological compounds, advanced in vitro models, and therapeutic cells. This approach represents a beyond-state-of-the-art solution to treat COPD.

Your profile

You will use a highly advanced microfluidic devices that was recently invented in our department (patent pending) to next-generation micromaterials that will be used by the consortium parters for COPD therapy. You will explore the development and fabrication of the microfluidic device strategies to improve its functional performances and investigate the function of the produced (living) microgels. Moreover, you will investigate this novel microfluidic platform’s capacity for full aqueous (ATPS) production at MHz speeds, which will improve current production rates by multiple orders of magnitude. This will be achieved by exploring a physics principle that was previously not used in microfluidic devices. Not only does this provide an exciting and unique fundamental academic challenges that pushes the limits of our knowledge, but it also offers immediate entrepreneurial/commercial applications that can be explored via valorisation of the patent. Furthermore, you will interface with a variety of clinicians, cell biologists and pharmacologists to explore a novel method for regenerating lung tissue. You will therefore work on the multidisciplinary interface of microtechnology, materials science, physics, engineering, and (stem)cell biology. You will thereby be trained to develop a wide skill set, which will include microdevice fabrication, micromaterial production, cell encapsulation, advanced (photo)polymerization, materials characterization, state of the art cell culture, and writing high impact scientific publications. Moreover, it possible for the postdoc to explore the possibility to found a spin-off company to valorise the patent and associate technology, for which UT can provide further skill training and support.

• You are an enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher;
• You hold a PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Applied physics, or an equivalent master’s education;
• You have excellent analytical skills and an innate ability for solution oriented problem solving;
• You have strong interests in microfluidics, microtechnology, biomaterials, cell-biomaterial interaction;
• You have experience in microengineering, microdevice fabrication, (micro)materials characterization, and/or material visualization techniques. Experience in physics of fluids, hydrogels, cell culture, and advanced optical analysis techniques are considered as a benefit;
• You possess excellent social and communication skills, in academic as well as non-academic contexts;
• You have interest in entrepreneurial activities and motivation to start a spin-off company;
• You love working in a team in which fundamental and applied research cross-fertilize;
• You have a creative and critical attitude, combined with perseverance and being flexible and stress-resistant.;
• You are fluent in English language skills, both in speaking and writing.

Our offer

• As a postdoc at UT, you will be appointed to a fully-paid full-time position for two years, within an exciting scientific environment that is widely known for its excellence.
• Your salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
• You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 4.241,- to €5.538,- depending on education and experience.
• 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.
• A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
• Access to multiple state-of-the-art research facilities
• Professional and personal development programs.
• We provide excellent and hands-on mentorship and a stimulating research environment to accelerate your further professional and personal growth.
• Fun, social, and supportive work atmosphere.

Information and application

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 31st of August 2026, and include:

• A short video (~2 minutes) describing your scientific interests, background, and why you are applying for this position.
• A cover letter (max 1 page A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position. Including a second page of a summary of your PhD work.
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, list of publications, and references (one of them should be your PhD supervisor).
• An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Prof. dr. Jeroen Leijten ([staat bij de werkgever])

About the department

The postdoc will work in the Leijten Lab, which is part of the department of Bioengineering Technologies, and in particular the Developmental BioEngineering group is a research department with a highly international character, award winning research, and numerous successful spin-off companies. Our main goal is to investigate and explore the potential of novel (micro)technologies in the field of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. Our department has a strong history in the development of various biofabrication technologies and advanced biomaterials, which have been leveraged to create a family of next-generation bioinks for various biomedical applications. The department of Bioengineering Technologies is distinguished as a Centre of Excellence and part of the Technical Medical Centre of the University of Twente, which is widely recognized for its cutting edge developments in biomedical technology, microfluidic technology, and advanced biomanufacturing.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candid