Jaap den Toonder

This PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology focuses on developing advanced vasculature-on-chip models to improve nanobubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging for cancer diagnostics. The project addresses the limitations of current imaging techniques in detecting and diagnosing cancers, particularly prostate cancer, by leveraging the unique properties of nanobubbles and microfluidic technology. The research is part of a larger collaborative effort involving two PhD students and a postdoc at Eindhoven University of Technology and the University of Twente, with additional industrial and clinical partners. The successful candidate will design, fabricate, and experimentally characterize in-vitro vasculature-on-chip models. These microfluidic chips will replicate the complex geometry and biology of tumor microvasculature, including 3D networks of perfusable lumens, endothelialization, and integration of tumor cells within a relevant extracellular matrix. The chips must be acoustically transparent for ultrasound transmission and ideally optically transparent for validation via optical imaging. The project utilizes innovative 3D printing techniques to create sacrificial templates embedded in hydrogels, which are then seeded with endothelial cells to form biologically relevant vessel networks. Further advancements will include modulating and characterizing endothelial permeability using inflammatory agents and fluorescent microscopy, providing models with varying permeability for nanobubble ultrasound experiments. The PhD student will be embedded in the Microsystems research section of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, supervised by Professor Jaap den Toonder. The Microsystems group is renowned for its expertise in microfabrication, microfluidics, and organ-on-chip research, supported by the state-of-the-art Microfab/lab facility. The project is highly interdisciplinary, combining bubble physics, microfluidics, ultrasound modeling, and signal analysis to create a comprehensive framework for improved cancer imaging. Applicants should have a background in mechanical or biomedical engineering, with experience in microfluidics, microfabrication, organ-on-chip, cell culture, and cell/tissue characterization preferred. The position offers full-time employment for four years, competitive salary and benefits, and opportunities for professional development within an international and collaborative academic environment. The university provides excellent infrastructure, training programs, and support for international candidates, including a tax compensation scheme and staff immigration assistance. Applications must be submitted online and include a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references. The vacancy will remain open until filled, with priority given to complete applications. For further information, contact Professor Jaap den Toonder at [email protected] or HR Advisor Femke Verheggen at [email protected].

Fully funded PhD position at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The project is titled Advanced In Vitro Modeling and Biomechanical Characterization of Intravasation and focuses on developing advanced microfluidic and in vitro models to study cancer intravasation, an important step in metastasis where cancer cells enter blood vessels. Relevant academic areas include Mechanical Engineering , Biomedical Engineering , Biomechanics , Biophysics , and related fields. The post is especially suited to candidates interested in microfluidics, biomechanical characterization, and cancer-related experimental modeling. Funding is provided as a salary of €3,059–€3,881 per month . The deadline stated in the post is 15 July 2026 . Supervisor: Prof. Jaap den Toonder at TU/e. Contact email: [email protected] . Interested candidates should contact the supervisor directly and follow the university application process if instructed in the original posting.

Tu Eindhoven University of Technology invites applications for a PhD position in bioinspired physical control of soft robots . This project sits at the intersection of soft robotics, physical intelligence, nonlinear mechanics, and autonomous systems, and is aimed at developing the next generation of robust and efficient intelligent machines inspired by biological autonomy. The research focuses on active adaptation in fluid-driven soft robots . Instead of relying primarily on software-based control, the project explores how physical processes and fluidic circuits can encode memory, thresholds, and reflex-like responses. The successful candidate will investigate how soft actuators respond to environmental interactions, build improved models of these interactions, and design and evaluate soft fluidic components that act as building blocks for fluidic neural networks . The work will also make use of advanced numerical tools such as nonlinear FEM, evolutionary optimization, and reinforcement learning to optimize and train systems in context. The position is embedded in the Neuromorphic Mechanics group , led by Luuk van Laake , and connected to the broader Neuromorphic Engineering activity led by Prof. Yoeri van de Burgt . It is also part of the Microsystems section headed by Prof. Jaap den Toonder , within the Mechanical Engineering Department and associated with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) . The group benefits from access to the Microfab lab , a state-of-the-art microfabrication facility for manufacturing, prototyping, and measurement. The PhD candidate will design and perform experiments, develop models, work on soft fluidic building blocks, and contribute to the broader scientific output of the group through conference presentations and high-impact publications. The role also includes supervision of BSc and MSc students and participation in teaching activities. Applicants should have an excellent MSc degree or equivalent in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, microsystems, or another relevant engineering/scientific discipline. Strong motivation to combine experiments, simulations, and theory is important, as is curiosity, resourcefulness, and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and international environment. English fluency at C1 level is required. The position is a full-time PhD employment for four years , with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Compensation follows the Dutch university collective agreement, scale P , with a gross monthly base salary between €3,204 and €4,051 , plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension coverage, parental leave provisions, commuting/working-from-home support, training opportunities, and access to on-campus facilities. To apply, submit a complete online application including a cover letter, CV with publication list and three references, and transcripts of BSc and MSc course grades. The vacancy remains open until filled, and incomplete applications may be given lower priority.

PhD opportunity at Eindhoven University of Technology in the area of physical control at the microscale , within the Neuromorphic Mechanics group and the Microsystems section of the Mechanical Engineering Department. This project explores how physical control functions such as memory, thresholds, coupling, and sensing can be realized at (sub-)millimeter dimensions . The work is inspired by soft robotics, fluidic neural networks, and physical processes seen in nature. The successful candidate will develop understanding of control mechanisms at the macroscale, then envision, analyze, simulate, design, fabricate, and test microscale devices that demonstrate autonomous behavior without conventional software control. You will have access to the Microfab lab and advanced microscale fabrication and measurement facilities, and you will contribute to a collaborative research environment. The role includes opportunities to present at international conferences, publish high-impact papers, and supervise BSc and MSc student projects. Supervision is provided by Luuk van Laake , who leads the Neuromorphic Mechanics group, with links to the groups of Prof. Yoeri van de Burgt and Prof. Jaap den Toonder . The position is embedded in the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) and the broader research ecosystem at TU/e in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. Applicants should hold an excellent MSc degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, applied physics, microsystems, or a related field. Strong motivation to combine experiments, simulations, and theory is expected; microfabrication experience is highly preferred. The role requires fluent English (C1), teamwork, and an interest in supervising students. This is a full-time PhD employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. Funding follows the Dutch university collective agreement at scale P, including salary, holiday allowance, year-end bonus, and standard employment benefits. Apply online with a cover letter, CV including publications and three references, and transcripts of BSc and MSc grades. The vacancy remains open until filled, but complete applications are prioritized. Deadline shown on the post: 2026-08-30 .

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.