Carlijn Bouten

This PhD project at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) investigates the mechanobiological rules that govern cardiac tissue repair, focusing on why most animal species heal heart injuries with scarring (fibrosis) rather than true regeneration. The research is supervised by Prof.dr. Carlijn Bouten and Dr. Vito Conte in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, within the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM) group. The STEM group is internationally recognized for its work in engineered living tissues and offers access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. The project centers on engineering and studying cross-species cardiac microtissue models. You will quantify how mechanical and biochemical cues from the cellular microenvironment influence tissue response to injury. Using controlled injury assays and quantitative readouts of tissue organization, mechanics, and signaling, you will build predictive, testable mechanobiological hypotheses and identify intervention points to steer microtissue repair toward more regenerative outcomes. Prof. Bouten’s research focuses on understanding and harnessing cell interactions with mechanical and biochemical environments to engineer regenerative, self-guided living tissues. Dr. Conte applies principles from physics and engineering to decipher tissue organization and remodeling in health and disease, using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. The project is experimental and requires candidates with a strong background in biomedical engineering or mechanobiology. Essential skills include confidence with quantitative experimentation, mammalian cell culture, and microscopy. An interest in combining wet-lab work with advanced analysis and modeling of complex datasets is expected. Experience with biomaterials, microtissue engineering, mechanobiological assays, and image-based quantification is advantageous but not essential. As a member of the STEM group, you will join a vibrant research environment at the forefront of tissue engineering. The project offers opportunities to develop expertise in mechanobiology, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine, contributing to the understanding of cardiac repair mechanisms across species. Applicants should apply online via the AcademicTransfer portal. Please prepare your CV and cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and motivation. For further information, contact the supervisors or visit the STEM group website.