PhD position - Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms for Mechanobiology
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PhD position - Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms for Mechanobiology
Apply nowPhD position - Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms for Mechanobiology
A 4-year PhD position is available in the field of lab-on-a-chip technologies and mechanobiology at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Groningen.
PhD position - Lab-on-a-Chip Platforms for Mechanobiology
Apply nowWhat are you going to do?
Cells live in a world of forces. They are constantly pulled, stretched, and compressed, and these mechanical cues, alongside chemical signals, influence how cells grow and function. Yet such forces remain difficult to recreate in the laboratory.
In this project, you will develop a miniaturized on-chip platform capable of delivering precise, real-time mechanical stimulation to cells, enabling the study of cellular responses to mechanical cues in controlled microenvironments. In collaboration with cell biologists, you will use these platforms to investigate how cellular biomechanics are influenced by the surrounding microenvironment and to uncover mechanisms by which cells sense and interpret mechanical forces.
Who are you?
We are looking for someone who meets the following qualifications:
Essential qualifications
- M.Sc. degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Bioengineering, or related disciplines
- Hands-on experience with microfabrication and microfluidics
- Strong background in fluid mechanics and transport phenomena
- Experience with fluorescence imaging or live-cell imaging
- Enthusiasm, self-motivation, creativity, and team spirit
- Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written)
Preferred qualifications
- Hands-on experience with hydrogel synthesis
- Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis
- Ability to design and implement microcontroller-based control systems (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)
- Familiarity with cell culture and biological assays
What can you expect from us?
- In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.059 up to a maximum of € 3.881 (promovendus) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
- 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
- Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
- The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.
Where will you be working?
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.
The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.
You will join The Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), which is positioned within FSE, and is physically located within the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) of the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS). Pharmaceutical research within GRIP is multidisciplinary and bridges clinical and biomedical sciences on the one hand, and chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and physics on the other. The interaction between the pharmaceutical sciences with these fundamental and clinical sciences offers excellent opportunities for cutting-edge research.
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After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.
The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.
We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.
We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.
After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!
Interested?
Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.
Please add the following documents to your application:
- Statement of purpose: a concise essay (maximum 2 pages) describing the applicant’s research interests, relevant research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD with our group.
- CV.
- Transcripts from bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Contact information for three references.
Do you have any questions or need more information?
-
Questions about the content of the job?
Vesna Bacheva
Assistant Professor
v.bacheva@rug.nl -
Questions about your application process?
Vesna Bacheva
Assistant Professor
v.bacheva@rug.nl
Information about applying
When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.
The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.
Acquisition is not appreciated.
Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.
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