PhD Supramolecular Biomaterials for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine, Netherlands

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Job Description: PhD students Supramolecular Biomedical Materials for Cardiovascular Regenerative Medicine at the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. The Department of Biomedical Engineering is a cooperation of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and the Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences of the University of Maastricht. The department participates in distinguishing research programs. Research areas are Molecular Bioengineering and Molecular Imaging; Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering; and Biomedical Imaging and Modeling.

The Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) is a new interdisciplinary initiative at TU/e which aims at bringing excellent researchers from different areas together to promote cross-breeding of ideas across departments and across disciplines. The institute was founded on April 1, 2008 and is part of the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e); it aims at becoming an internationally leading institute. It will do this by forcing widely recognized scientific breakthroughs in the engineering of complex molecular systems and by forming an advanced study center for scientific discussion on the topic of complexity. Several research groups in different departments form the basis for a multidisciplinary research platform for building knowledge and infrastructure in systems chemistry and supramolecular chemistry. The aim is to create complex, functional objects based on novel engineering tools and state-of-the-art modeling. This will be done in close collaboration with staff members, PhD students and post-docs working in physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering.

TU/e is situated in the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’, known for its many high-tech industries and start-ups. A sparkling environment with opportunities for talented people.

Project description

We are looking for enthusiastic and talented PhD students in the area of supramolecular biomedical materials. The research of our group is aiming at the design of supramolecular biomedical materials for regenerative medicine. These biomedical materials are inspired by nature, and will be investigated as intelligent scaffolds for tissue engineering, or as adaptive, multivalent medicine. Our ultimate goal is to design and synthesize materials which cannot be distinguished by the body from its own tissues.

Molecular understanding of complex biomolecular interactions within the supramolecular biomedical material, and between the material and cells are crucial for a successful design and development. We combine strategies from chemistry, biology and medical sciences, and always keep the patient in mind. In collaborative projects with several academic and industrial partners financed by the national BioMedical Materials (BMM) research program, we intend to develop such intelligent supramolecular biomedical materials for the following applications:

1. Heart valve and small diameter artery constructs based on flexible elastomers and bioactive compounds

2. Microsphere drug delivery systems based on core-shell particles containing medicines for neovascularisation therapies

3. Microtissues based on soft gels and cells for myocardial repair

As a PhD student employed in one of these projects you will for example develop dynamic, supramolecular biomaterials that can be functionalized with bioactive peptide sequences. By varying the binding of the peptides to the biomaterial the dynamics in the system can be changed. Supramolecular chemistry, biochemistry, material sciences, organic chemistry, and molecular biology play an important role.

Requirements

We are seeking enthusiastic candidates that have recently been graduated (or soon graduate) from a MSc program in biochemistry, supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, medical biology, molecular biology, biomedical engineering, or molecular life sciences. We are aiming for the best candidates that have strong affinity for multidisciplinary research; scientists who will show a strong personal and scientific growth during the years. However, the most important quality we are looking for is scientific curiosity, willingness to learn, and drive to explore. Excellent analytical and communication skills, and fluency in written and spoken English are essential.

Appointment and Salary

A challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious, multidisciplinary research team. Close collaboration with leading national and international groups in the fields of soft matter science, materials science, and polymer technology. Gross monthly salaries in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), increasing from € 2042 per month initially to € 2612 in the fourth year. Moreover 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. An attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, child care and sport facilities). Also, we can help you find accommodation. The TU/e is an equal opportunity employer.

Application Deadline 30September2010

For further information

Scholarship Tags: Biology, Medicine, Netherlands, Science, tachnology