PhD Position in Hydrogel Bioelectronics

Develop soft, 3D-printed hydrogel bioelectronics for next-generation neural interfaces.

A PhD Position in Hydrogel Bioelectronics is available for a 4-year PhD candidate position in the research group of Achilleas Savva in the Department of Microelectronics at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

• Hours per week: 36-40
• FTE: 1

Job description

Our research aims to develop multifunctional and multidimensional bioelectronic interfaces that can address fundamental questions in biology and enable new technologies for treating disease. By combining organic electronic materials, soft hydrogels and advanced microfabrication and 3D-printing technologies, we develop devices that can interact with human cells and tissues with high spatial and temporal resolution.

You will embark on a new project focused on the development of 3D-printed hydrogel bioelectronics for neural interfaces. You will use one-photon polymerization and high-resolution 3D printing to fabricate soft hydrogel structures and integrate them with organic electronic materials, including conducting polymers. The goal is to establish printing strategies that enable electronic functionality to be incorporated directly into three-dimensional, cell-compatible hydrogel architectures.

During the first part of the project, you will develop and optimize printable materials and fabrication processes for creating conductive tracks, electrodes and other electronic components within soft 3D structures. You will characterize their electrical, electrochemical, optical and mechanical properties and investigate the integration of printed hydrogel structures with microfabricated electronic platforms.

Later, you will use these devices to interface with human neural cell cultures in vitro. You will investigate how 3D hydrogel bioelectronic structures can support and guide neuronal growth while enabling electrical recording and stimulation. The ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of soft, 3D and regenerative bioelectronic interfaces that combine electronic functionality with a biomimetic cellular environment.

You will be embedded in the multidisciplinary Bioelectronics research team at TU Delft and collaborate with researchers working on organic bioelectronics, neural interfaces, conducting polymers, microfabrication and advanced 3D printing. You will work at the interface of electrical engineering, materials science, additive manufacturing, biology and bioengineering to develop novel bioelectronic technologies for the future of healthcare.

Job requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who is curious, hands-on, and excited to work at the interface of engineering, materials science and biology. You should have:

• An MSc degree in electrical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• A background or strong interest in bioelectronics, organic electronics, hydrogels, microfabrication or additive manufacturing/3D printing.
• Interest in developing soft and 3D-printed electronic devices for biological applications.
• Strong experimental and technical skills and enthusiasm for hands-on laboratory research.
• A curiosity-driven and problem-solving mindset, with an eagerness to explore new technologies and research directions.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative and contribute creatively to the project.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Good proficiency in English, enabling you to participate in doctoral courses, write scientific publications and present your research at international conferences.
• Not sure whether you meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Candidates with complementary backgrounds and a strong motivation to learn are very welcome.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 - €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible. The Coming to Delft Service offers information to help you prepare your relocation and organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands and expand your social network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis.

As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed.