4 PhD Positions in Vascularized Tissue Engineering, University of Twente, Netherlands (2017)

The Vascularization Laboratory in the Department of Biomechanical Engineering (Faculty of Engineering Technology and MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine) at the University of Twente, The Netherlands has an opening for four PhD Candidates and 1 Post-doctoral fellow within the ERC project ‘Vascular Tree Formation in Multi-Structural Tissue Engineering’.

Research project description
Engineered tissues offer a great promise to the field of medicine as an alternative for donor tissues. However, the integration of engineered tissues after implantation is limited due to the lack of a vascular network. Currently, strategies to include vascular networks rely on the spontaneous organization of vascular cells, or on the patterning of these cells. However, this results in either vascular networks that are not organized, or networks that lose their initial organization fast. This project will use a new approach to control vascular development. Fluid flows through engineered tissues will be designed and controlled to guide vascular organization. Apart from that, growth factors will be patterned in space and time to further direct the formation of a vascular network with a controlled organization. In parallel, computational models will be developed that can predict vascular organization and development based on processing parameters. Taken together, this project will result in a vascular network with a controllable long-term organization.

Requirements
The successful applicant has a background in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or in a closely related discipline. He or she should possess excellent skills and practical experience in one or more of the following research areas: cell and tissue culture, fluid flow and transport computational modelling, microfluidics, perfusion bioreactors, 3D bio-printing, photo-patterning of cell containing hydrogels, biomaterial modification. Experience at the intersection of one or more of these areas is desirable. Fluency in English is required. An interview will be part of the selection procedure.

Further details:
http://www.academictransfer.com