PhD in Microfluidic Contact Lenses for Controlled Tear Collection and Analysis Eindhoven University of Technology in Netherlands

Join Eindhoven University of Technology for a PhD project at the intersection of microfluidics, contact lens technology, biomaterials, and wearable healthcare. The project aims to develop smart microfluidic contact lenses that can collect and analyse tear fluid in a controlled and non-invasive way, supporting the next generation of wearable diagnostic devices for continuous health monitoring.

Tears contain biomarkers associated with ocular and systemic diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. However, many current tear-collection techniques can alter tear composition and reduce the reliability of measurements. In this project, you will work on innovative lens-based systems that integrate microchannels, microvalves, and sensing functions into soft hydrogel lenses, helping build a technological foundation for tear-based diagnostics.

The position is hosted by the Microsystems research section in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, led by Prof. Dr. Ir. Jaap den Toonder, and the project will be supervised by Dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira. The Microsystems group operates the Microfab/lab, a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility and one of the university’s main research environments for microfluidics and micro manufacturing.

Your research will involve designing microfluidic architectures and microvalve technologies for wearable contact lens applications, applying advanced microfabrication methods to curved hydrogel devices, and investigating fluid transport, sensing performance, and material behaviour in hydrogel-based microsystems. The role also includes publishing in leading journals, presenting at international conferences, collaborating with academic and industrial partners, and supporting teaching through supervision of BSc and MSc students.

Eligibility highlights include an MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Microtechnology, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Prior experience in microfluidics, microfabrication, bioMEMS, biosensors, or biomaterials is valued, and the team explicitly welcomes candidates who are motivated to build expertise across these areas. Strong experimental skills, independence, teamwork, communication ability, and fluent English at C1 level are required.

The appointment is full-time for four years and includes an intermediate assessment after nine months. Compensation follows the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement, with a monthly gross base salary in scale P of €3,204 to €4,051, plus holiday allowance, year-end bonus, pension contributions, and generous leave options. TU/e also provides strong research infrastructure, training support, and an international working environment on its Eindhoven campus in the Netherlands.

Applications should be submitted online as a complete package including a cover letter, CV with publications, and contact details for three references. The vacancy remains open until filled, with priority given to complete applications.