PhD Universal mechanobiological gateways to Cardiac Regeneration across regenerative and non-regenerative species

Introduction
After a heart attack, the human heart heals largely by scarring rather than true regeneration. This PhD project aims to uncover the mechanobiological rules that push cardiac tissue toward pathological fibrosis in most animal species and toward more regenerative repair in rare animal species. You will engineer and study cross-species cardiac microtissue models and quantify how defined mechanical and biochemical cues from the cellular microenvironment shape mechanobiological tissue response to injury. You will then ambitiously use these quantitative insights to build predictive, testable mechanobiological hypotheses and identify intervention points to steer microtissue repair responses toward a more regenerative outcome.

Job Description
The research will be conducted in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) under the supervision of Prof.dr. Carlijn Bouten and Dr. Vito Conte, within the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM) group. Prof. Bouten’s research aims to understand and harness how cells interact with their mechanical and biochemical environments to engineer regenerative, self-guided living tissues, while Dr. Conte’s research applies principles from physics and engineering to decipher how tissues organize and remodel in health and disease using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In this PhD project, you will develop engineered, cross-species cardiac microtissue models to uncover mechanobiological rules that bias repair toward fibrosis in most species versus more regenerative healing in rare species. Using controlled injury assays and quantitative readouts of tissue organization, mechanics, and signaling, you will build predictive, testable hypotheses and evaluate microenvironmental strategies to steer repair responses. As part of the STEM group, you will have access to the Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering and state-of-the-art infrastructure at the international forefront of engineered living tissues. This project is experimental at its core and requires a candidate with a strong background in biomedical engineering or mechanobiology. It demands confidence with quantitative experimentation, mammalian cell culture and microscopy, and an interest in combining wet-lab work with advanced analysis and modelling of complex datasets. Experience with biomaterials, microtissue engineering, mechanobiological assays and/or image-based quantification is advantageous but not essential.

Job Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic and talented candidates to join our growing and ambitious research team. You should have/be:

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in biomedical engineering, (bio)physics or bioengineering;
• Demonstrable experience with mammalian cell culture and experimental assays, preferably including microscopy and quantitative data analysis;
• A research-oriented attitude;
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and effectively communicate scientific ideas, foster collaborations, and a capability for independent thinking;
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students;
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Dr. Vito Conte, v.conte@tue.nl and Prof. dr. Carlijn Bouten, C.V.C.Bouten@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HR advisors, hradvicebme@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• Academic transcript.
• A digital copy of your MSc thesis (if applicable).

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD Universal mechanobiological gateways to Cardiac Regeneration across regenerative and non-regenerative species

The research will be conducted in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) under the supervision of Prof.dr. Carlijn Bouten and Dr. Vito Conte, within the Soft Tissue Engineering and Mechanobiology (STEM) group. Prof. Bouten’s research aims to understand and harness how cells interact with their mechanical and biochemical environments to engineer regenerative, self-guided living tissues, while Dr. Conte’s research applies principles from physics and engineering to decipher how tissues organize and remodel in health and disease using in vitro, in vivo, and in silico approaches. In this PhD project, you will develop engineered, cross-species cardiac microtissue models to uncover mechanobiological rules that bias repair toward fibrosis in most species versus more regenerative healing in rare species. Using controlled injury assays and quantitative readouts of tissue organization, mechanics, and signaling, you will build predictive, testable hypotheses and evaluate microenvironmental strategies to steer repair responses. As part of the STEM group, you will have access to the Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering and state-of-the-art infrastructure at the international forefront of engineered living tissues. This project is experimental at its core and requires a candidate with a strong background in biomedical engineering or mechanobiology. It demands confidence with quantitative experimentation, mammalian cell culture and microscopy, and an interest in combining wet-lab work with advanced analysis and modelling of complex datasets. Experience with biomaterials, microtissue engineering, mechanobiological assays and/or image-based quantification is advantageous but not essential.

PhD in the Integrated Circuit Group on Transceivers for Optical Communications

Introduction
Integrated optics is currently experiencing unprecedented growth, driven largely by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and high-performance data processing applications. As AI models continue to increase in size and computational complexity, the demand for high-bandwidth, low-latency, and energy-efficient interconnects has become one of the key technological challenges in modern computing systems. Optical interconnects are emerging as a promising solution, offering significantly higher data throughput and lower power consumption compared to conventional electrical links.

To fully realize the potential of integrated optical systems, continuous improvements are required at multiple levels, including system architecture, photonic integrated circuits (PICs), electronic integrated circuits (EICs), and advanced packaging technologies. The co-design and optimization of these building blocks are essential for achieving breakthroughs in data rate, power efficiency, scalability, and overall system cost.

This PhD project focuses on the electronic integrated circuit components of optical communication systems, with particular emphasis on the transmitter (TX) driver and receiver (RX) transimpedance amplifier (TIA). These circuits play a critical role in determining the overall performance of optical links, directly impacting achievable bandwidth, signal integrity, energy efficiency, and system robustness.

The primary objective of the project is to develop novel circuit topologies and design techniques that push the state of the art in high-speed optical interfaces. Key research goals include increasing bandwidth and data rate capability, improving the driving strength and efficiency of optical modulators, enhancing TIA sensitivity and speed, and minimizing power consumption while maintaining high performance. Through innovative circuit design and technology optimization, the project aims to contribute to the next generation of energy-efficient and cost-effective integrated optical communication systems for AI and data-centric applications.

Job Description
In this role you will drive your own PhD research project focused on high-speed optical transceiver electronics, with particular emphasis on transmitter (TX) driver and receiver transimpedance amplifier (TIA):

• Understanding applications, architecture, building blocks, integration, requirements, limitations and state of the art in optical transceivers
• Understanding modeling of the optical modulators and simulation platform for simulation optical transceivers
• Develop high-bandwidth TX driver architectures for advanced optical modulators.
• Design energy-efficient high-sensitivity TIAs capable of supporting next-generation optical communication standards.
• Improve overall transmitter and receiver speed while minimizing power consumption.
• Enhance modulator driving capability and receiver sensitivity.
• Investigate circuit and system-level trade-offs between bandwidth, noise, linearity, power, and cost.
• Contribute to scalable electronic solutions for future AI-driven optical interconnects.
• Design, implement and characterize the most promising topology for driver and TIA in advanced semiconductor technology

Job Requirements

• Master Degree in Electrical Engineering
• Experience in design and implementation of analog integrated circuits
• Experience in using Cadence, Spectre, ADS/Momentum, Matlab
• Highly motivated student, eager to discover and explain new phenomena
• Passion for improving performance of analog integrated circuit operating at high frequencies
• Fast learner, autonomous and creative, highly motivated, persistent and dedicated
• Good communication skills and willing to work with different people
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Group
You will join the Integrated Circuits (IC) group, a leading research hub advancing the frontiers of semiconductor design. The group has a strong track record in analog, RF/mmWave, and mixed-signal integrated circuits and analog computing. Through close collaboration with other Electrical Engineering research groups and active engagement with the regional Brainport ecosystem and the broader European high-tech landscape, the IC group operates at the intersection of circuits, systems, and applications. It plays a key role in driving innovation in wireless and optical communications, heterogeneous integration, as well as medical and environmental sensing and novel computing paradigms, translating fundamental research into impactful technologies for next-generation semiconductor systems. Particularly, you will be part of the RF Sensing and Communication lab.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact dr. Vojkan Vidojkovic, lead of RF Sensing and Communication Lab, via v.vidojkovic@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Kevin Caris, HR Advisor, k.t.caris@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• A cover letter, in which you describe your motivation for the position and demonstrate how your qualifications and experience match the requirements.
• A curriculum vitae, including a full list of publications and the contact details of at least three referees. Please note that referees may be contacted at any stage of the selection procedure. We recommend informing your referees upon submission of your application.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in the Integrated Circuit Group on Transceivers for Optical Communications

In this role you will drive your own PhD research project focused on high-speed optical transceiver electronics, with particular emphasis on transmitter (TX) driver and receiver transimpedance amplifier (TIA):

• Understanding applications, architecture, building blocks, integration, requirements, limitations and state of the art in optical transceivers
• Understanding modeling of the optical modulators and simulation platform for simulation optical transceivers
• Develop high-bandwidth TX driver architectures for advanced optical modulators.
• Design energy-efficient high-sensitivity TIAs capable of supporting next-generation optical communication standards.
• Improve overall transmitter and receiver speed while minimizing power consumption.
• Enhance modulator driving capability and receiver sensitivity.
• Investigate circuit and system-level trade-offs between bandwidth, noise, linearity, power, and cost.
• Contribute to scalable electronic solutions for future AI-driven optical interconnects.
• Design, implement and characterize the most promising topology for driver and TIA in advanced semiconductor technology

Coordinator Go Green Office / Project Lead Sustainable Labs

The Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) Green Office consists of thirteen motivated student assistants who actively contribute to making the university more sustainable while representing the student perspective. Since its establishment in 2015, the Green Office has grown into a mature and professional organization. In addition to initiating and delivering its own projects, the Green Office works closely with the Sustainability Office and the Sustainability Ambassador to support the university’s long term sustainability transition. Due to the internal promotion of the current coordinator, we are looking for a successor who can guide and strengthen the continued development of the Green Office.

At the same time, TU/e is working to improve the sustainability of its laboratory environment, which includes approximately 43,000 m² of laboratory space. This ranges from cleanrooms and advanced physics laboratories to dry labs and everything in between. Following a successful first year, the program is entering its next phase of development. We are therefore looking for a project lead who can further professionalize, coordinate and scale up the implementation of sustainability initiatives, ensuring they become embedded within the organization.

Job Description
You will join the Sustainability Office team. A central team with the mission to embed Sustainability structurally within all the university’s domains and beyond. The Sustainability Office acts as an advisory, coordinating, monitoring and enabling body for faculties, departments, and university leadership, providing expertise, tools, and guidance to support Sustainability-related initiatives.

Want to know more about the Go Green Office, Sustainability Office and Sustainability at TU/e:

• GO Green Office
• About the Sustainability Office
• Lab Sustainability Pilot
• TU/e Sustainability

Green Office Coordinator (12 hours per week) Green Office activities and projects are primarily initiated and carried out by students themselves. Students typically work for the Green Office for one to two years alongside their studies at TU/e.

As Coordinator, you provide continuity and are ultimately responsible for the overall direction and results of the Green Office:

• Coordination and connection: You are confident in making decisions and taking responsibility for the bigger picture, while giving students the freedom and ownership to shape a more sustainable TU/e. Your role is to share knowledge, provide guidance and create the conditions that allow students to take responsibility and grow.
• Strategic and content leadership: You play a key role in the long term development of the Green Office within TU/e. You contribute to its vision, strategy and policy, stimulate the execution of annual plans that align with the university’s sustainability agenda, and ensure effective knowledge transfer to new student assistants.
• HR responsibilities: You are responsible for HR related activities, including defining roles, coordinating recruitment and selection, supporting performance reviews, and coaching and developing Green Office team members.
• Financial management: You have overall responsibility for budgeting and financial monitoring. Within the annual planning cycle, you help set priorities for activities and projects and ensure that resources are aligned with these ambitions.

Sustainable Labs Project Lead (20-28 hours per week) As Sustainable Labs Project Lead, you are part of the team driving sustainability within education and research. Your focus is on the practical implementation of sustainability improvements in laboratories. Reporting to the Lead Operations within the Sustainability Office and working closely with the Lead Sustainable Research.

• Coordination and support of pilot projects: You take the lead in pilot projects. You are visible in the labs, maintain close contact with stakeholders and stay connected to day to day operations. You use these insights to accelerate implementation, improve project delivery and encourage knowledge sharing.
• Community building and scaling up: Your focus goes beyond individual projects and laboratories. You help build an active community where people collaborate, learn from one another, continuously improve and inspire others to take action. The lessons learned from pilot projects are translated into a framework that can be applied more broadly across the organization.
• Data collection and analysis: You understand that data drives improvement. You collect relevant information, analyze it carefully and translate findings into clear reports, visual insights and practical recommendations. Your curiosity helps uncover new opportunities and deeper understanding.
• Knowledge development and laboratory sustainability expertise: You actively build knowledge of existing methods and strategies for making laboratories more sustainable. You take a proactive approach to developing your expertise so that you can act as a knowledgeable sparring partner within the team.

Job Requirements

• A university level technical degree (MSc or equivalent), or comparable knowledge and experience gained through professional practice.
• 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience, including demonstrated experience in project and process management, leadership and coaching.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships and networks. You enjoy working with people and understand the different interests and perspectives involved.
• Excellent analytical skills and experience in data collection, data analysis and translating results into clear reports, recommendations and improvement actions.
• Knowledge of, or affinity with, laboratory sustainability within research or healthcare is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and fluent spoken and written English (minimum C1 level).

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Conditions of Employment
An exciting position within an international yet personal university. You are right in the middle of the students, on a green campus within walking distance of the central station. Besides beautiful architecture, you will find varied workplaces and excellent sports facilities.

We also offer you:

• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 9, ranging from €3.873,- to € 5.264,- gross base salary per month (full-time), depending on your knowledge and experience.
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• A favorable arrangement for more holidays or a sabbatical.
• A selection model for additional fringe benefits.
• Working hours in consultation for an optimal work-life balance.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• Scope for your talent with advancement prospects and excellent development opportunities such as mentoring, workshops and coaching.
• Partially paid parental leave and reimbursement for commuting expenses, working from home and the internet.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to have more information about the position, please contact the hiring manager: Sindy Harks, head Sustainability Office, s.c.harks@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5756.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Mai Lan Pham, Senior Recruiter, m.l.t.pham@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
If you are interested, please use the ‘apply’ button to send us your CV and letter of application with your motivation and a description of your qualifications. Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

Screening of candidates begins as soon as applications are received and continues until the position is filled. Where applicable, internal candidates will be given priority over external candidates where they are equally suitable.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Important for non-EU applicants: Please be aware that for this position, specific residence permit requirements apply. If you are a non-EU national, you may not be eligible to legally work in this role under current Dutch immigration regulations. We strongly advise you to contact our Staff Immigration Team (staffimmigration@tue.nl) before applying to check your eligibility and to receive further guidance.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.