PhD on artificial antigen-presenting cells

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.

Introduction

Are you excited to contribute to the development of innovative therapies? This project will allow you to develop artificial cells that are designed to interact and activate cells of the immune system in a biomimetic way.

Job Description

Your immune system is a highly effective defense mechanism that can identify and remove pathogens and dysfunctional cells from the body. In some cases, however, the efficiency is reduced and diseases can develop. One solution to the problem is to boost the immune system.  A particularly versatile approach in this regard is the use of particles that display activating signals to T cells. Although research has been performed in this direction, a particle that mimics a living antigen presenting cell has not been effectively created, thereby limiting the therapeutic efficacy of this approach. Based on exciting preliminary results in our group you will explore, using a combination of protein engineering, synthetic biology and supramolecular chemistry techniques, possibilities to create biomimetic antigen presenting cells.  You will build up these artificial cells and study how they interact with T cells, and how this leads to an improved therapeutic outcome.

You will be positioned in the Bio-organic Chemistry lab (https://vanhestlab.nl/) where we have ample experience in artificial cell research. Your project is embedded in the ERC Advanced grant program PRO-ARTIS, in which you will collaborate with colleagues to push the boundaries of artificial cell research forward.

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemistry, Molecular Life Sciences, Biomedical Science or Biomedical Engineering
• A demonstrated knowledge of at least three of the following: protein engineering, synthetic biology, cell biology.
• Experience with supramolecular chemistry and/or soft matter is recommended
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 
• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 2,901 max. € 3,707).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Professor Jan van Hest, [email protected].

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact our HR advisors, [email protected].

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.