Postdoc position in engineered 3D tumor model

Job description

The Chair Engineered Therapeutics within Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics group at the University of Twente has a postdoc position funded by the Dutch Cancer Foundation (KWF).

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancer types with a dismal survival rate of only 8%. A major problem is that patients are diagnosed at late stages in which curative treatments are hardly possible. Lack of clinical samples from early stages of the cancer does not allow identify biomarkers to diagnose tumor at early stage. The project aims to develop novel engineered 3D tumor models that mimic the early stage of pancreatic tumor and identify early diagnostic biomarkers using this model and validate with clinical samples.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team, including Amsterdam University Medical Centre and international industrial partners. Your primary goal will be to develop advanced 3D tumor models with an engineering perspective using your knowledge and expertise in biomedical engineering and lab-on-chip systems. At the same time, you will be performing sophisticated biological assays, multi-omics approaches to validate and benchmark the models and find biomarkers. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the early diagnostics of this deadly cancer while advancing your career in academia.

Your profile

For this position we are seeking an ambitious candidate with a doctoral degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, or a related field with experience in cancer biology. A solid background in developing 3D in vitro models, particularly in lab-on-chip technology, and 3D bioprinting tools is essential with a good understanding of cancer biology. Knowledge and hand-on experience in Computer Aided Design, MATLAB, bioinformatics, and biomarkers is highly appreciated. We expect to have excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset. The candidate needs to have a strong track record of scientific writing, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications in the field. You are fluent in English and able to collaborate with external parties in regular meetings and work visits.

Our offer

• Fulltime position for 2.5 years (or a part-time position (0.8 fte) for 3 years, to be negotiated)
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The salary amounts, depending on education and experience, minimal € 3.877,- to a maximum of € 5.090,- gross per month in case of a fulltime employment.  
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.
• Professional and personal development programmes.

Information and application

Please send your application via the ‘Apply now’ button, and include:

• Your letter of motivation emphasizing your specific interest and motivation,
• A Curriculum Vitae, including a complete list of publications, lectures and presentations at conferences and a list of third-party funding.
• An academic transcript of master and PhD education
• Contact information of two references

An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. Please apply via the provided button below. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at our university. We encourage applications from all sections of society.

You are welcome to contact Prof. Dr. Jai Prakash (j.prakash@utwente.nl), or our secretary Ms. Karin Hendriks (aottnw@utwente.nl) for any questions you may have.

About the department

The Chair Engineered Therapeutics - Advanced Organ Bioengineering and Therapeutics embedded in the Department of Bioengineering Technologies aims to develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies designed to target a diseased organ, resulting to improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced side effects in patients. The Chair contributes to the education of the Biomedical Engineering curriculum and various other disciplines of the University of Twente by delivering various courses in the field of drug delivery, nanomedicine, and targeted therapeutics.

The research of the chair focuses on the development of advanced 3D tumor in vitro models to understand the complex biology, find diagnostic biomarkers as well as examine the therapeutic efficacy of developed therapeutics against cancer. Also, the group is working at the forefront of the drug delivery technologies, designing novel targeting technologies to modulate specific cells within the tumor microenvironment.

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 candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.