Marijn Peters
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PhD in Bioreactor-based preservation of human heart valves Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Biomedical Engineering
Funding
Available
Deadline
Nov 30, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Eindhoven University of Technology
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About this position
Tu/e is offering a PhD position on bioreactor-based preservation of human heart valves within the Department of Biomedical Engineering. The project sits in the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM) group and is closely connected to the work of Assistant Professor Marijn Peters, Professor Carlijn Bouten, and Assistant Professor Marcel Rutten, alongside collaborators in mechanical engineering and cardiovascular biomechanics.
The research goal is to develop and improve a model that can keep donor heart valves alive outside the human body using dynamic, flow-based bioreactors. The work aims to reproduce the complex mechanical environment of the native heart valve, including flow, pressure, and mechanical stimulation, to support extended ex vivo culture and preservation. This is positioned as an important step toward living cardiac tissue culture, immune-shielded heart valve implants, and future therapies for children with congenital heart disease.
As a PhD candidate, you will work on bioreactor development, sterile vessel and tissue culture, and advanced tissue analysis including microscopy. The project is described as a pioneering effort that will generate new experimental data on optimal cardiovascular tissue preservation and contribute to smart culture conditions and feedback-enabled bioreactor design. You will also write a doctoral thesis, publish in scientific journals, and take part in teaching and student supervision at bachelor’s and master’s level.
The project is embedded in the BIOSHIELD consortium (BIOengineering immune SHielded Heart valve Implants), funded by the Dutch Heart Foundation, and involves collaboration with the University Medical Center Utrecht, the Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, and the ETB-Bislife Multi Tissue Center. The broader research theme is the development of living heart valve replacements that can grow with a child’s heart and reduce immune rejection and repeated surgery.
This is a strong fit for candidates interested in biomedical engineering, mechanobiology, fluid dynamics, tissue engineering, cardiovascular regeneration, and ex vivo tissue preservation. The application deadline is 2026-11-30, and applications are submitted via the AcademicTransfer link provided in the posting.
Funding details
Available
What's required
The candidate should be highly talented, ambitious, and passionate, with strong interest in the interface of engineering and biology. A background suitable for doctoral research in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field is expected. The position calls for experience or affinity with flow-based bioreactor development, sterile vessel and tissue culture, advanced microscopy, and general experimental research. Candidates should be prepared to write a doctoral thesis, publish in scientific journals, teach in courses, and supervise bachelor’s and master’s students as part of the role. Collaboration in an interdisciplinary and cross-institutional environment is expected; no specific GPA or language test is stated in the text.
How to apply
Apply through the AcademicTransfer application link. Submit the application before 2026-11-30. Follow the position page instructions and provide the required application materials.
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Professors
Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Netherlands
Research Interests
Tissue Engineering
Fluid Mechanics
Physics
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Netherlands
Research Interests
Tissue Engineering
Cell Biology
Epithelial Biology
Tissue Mechanics
Vascular Biology
Assistant Professor at Eindhoven University of Technology
Netherlands
Research Interests
Fluid Mechanics
Tissue Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Biology
Physics
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.