About the opportunity
The University of Twente offers a fully paid postdoc position in the Leijten Laboratory within the Department of BioEngineering Technologies. As part of the NWO-Perspectief: RecovAir national consortium, the successful candidate will develop novel delivery methods for lung therapeutics using microfluidic devices, nanomaterials, and therapeutic cells to treat COPD. The role involves using a patent-pending microfluidic device to produce next-generation micromaterials and exploring the platform’s capacity for high-speed aqueous production. The position is multidisciplinary, interfacing with clinicians, cell biologists, and pharmacologists, and offers the possibility to found a spin-off company to valorize the technology.
Salary and benefits
- Gross monthly salary ranging from €4,241 to €5,538, depending on education and experience.
- Holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary.
- End-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- Solid pension scheme.
- Minimum of 232 leave hours for full-time employment (based on a 38-hour week), with an additional 96 leave hours annually for those working 40 hours.
- Paid and unpaid parental leave.
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities.
- Professional and personal development programs.
- Hands-on mentorship and a stimulating research environment.
Who can apply?
- PhD degree in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, Biomedical Sciences, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or an equivalent master's education.
- Enthusiastic and highly motivated researcher.
- Excellent analytical skills and solution-oriented problem solving.
- Strong interest in microfluidics, microtechnology, biomaterials, and cell-biomaterial interaction.
- Experience in microengineering, microdevice fabrication, (micro)materials characterization, and/or material visualization techniques.
- Excellent social and communication skills in academic and non-academic contexts.
- Interest in entrepreneurial activities and motivation to start a spin-off company.
- Ability to work in a team where fundamental and applied research cross-fertilize.
- Creative, critical attitude, perseverance, flexibility, and stress-resistance.
- Fluency in English (speaking and writing).
Required documents
- Short video (~2 minutes) describing scientific interests, background, and motivation for applying.
- Cover letter (max 1 page A4) emphasizing interest, qualifications, and motivations, including a second page summarizing PhD work.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, list of publications, and references (including the PhD supervisor).
- English language proficiency proof: IELTS (total band score ≥ 6.5), TOEFL-iBT (score ≥ 90), or Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Required for applicants with non-Dutch qualifications who did not have secondary and tertiary education in English.
When to apply
- Apply before August 31, 2026.
How to apply
- Apply online via the 'Apply now' button, uploading a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications.
- The selection committee reviews applications; responses are sent within 2 weeks after the vacancy closes.
- First interview (online or in person) as an introduction, which may include a short presentation.
- Second interview to discuss job content, skills, and talents.
- Final offer and potential screening.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- PhD holders in Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical fields.
- Researchers with hands-on experience in microfluidics, microdevice fabrication, or biomaterials.
- Individuals with an entrepreneurial mindset interested in the potential to launch a spin-off company.
What should you think carefully about?
- The role is on-site in Enschede, so you must be willing to relocate if necessary.
- The position is multidisciplinary, requiring you to communicate effectively with clinicians and pharmacologists.
- You must be prepared to provide a short video as part of your application, which is a specific requirement for this role.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This two-year postdoc is an excellent goal for a researcher who wants to see their work move from the lab to real-world medical applications. The combination of high-speed microfluidic production and the potential for commercialization provides a unique opportunity to develop both your scientific expertise and your entrepreneurial skills.
Our take
This is an ideal role for a highly motivated, multidisciplinary researcher interested in the intersection of bioengineering and commercialization. Those who prefer a strictly academic focus without potential industrial or spin-off involvement may find this less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verified
