Job description
You will join an interdisciplinary research project in molecular ultrasound imaging using functionalized, monodisperse microbubbles. The project aims to understand how the acoustic response of microbubbles changes upon molecular binding to capillary blood vessel walls, how this response differs from that of freely circulating bubbles in confined vessel-like environments and in unbounded liquid, and how microbubbles can be designed to maximise the change in acoustic response upon binding. The long-term objective is to enable acoustic discrimination between bound and non-bound microbubbles through the combined design of microbubbles and ultrasound imaging sequences.
You will design, fabricate, and characterize viscoelastic capillary phantoms with controlled sizes and configurations using hydrogel-based materials and cleanroom microfabrication technologies. You will perform acoustic scattering and attenuation measurements and develop ultrasound imaging and characterization strategies using a Verasonics NXT fully programmable research ultrasound imaging system. The work requires strong hands-on experimental skills, creativity in experimental design, and an interest in combining microfluidics, acoustics, and ultrasound imaging.
Your profile
- A PhD degree in Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Experience in microfluidics and fluid mechanics.
- Strong programming skills in MATLAB. Experience with a Verasonics ultrasound imaging system is a plus.
- Good communication and writing skills in English
Our offer
- A full-time position for 1 year (that may be extended by another year).
- The salary and associated conditions are in accordance with the collective labour agreement for Dutch universities (CAO-NU).
- You will receive a gross monthly salary ranging from € 3.546,- to € 5.538,-.
- There are excellent benefits, including a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary, an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%, and a solid pension scheme.
- A minimum of 232 leave hours in case of full-time employment based on a formal workweek of 38 hours. A full-time employment in practice means 40 hours a week, therefore resulting in 96 extra leave hours on an annual basis.
- Free access to sports facilities on campus.
- A family-friendly institution that offers parental leave (both paid and unpaid).
- Excellent career support and courses for your professional and personal development.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before January 15, 2026, and include:
- A Curriculum Vitae
- A cover letter explaining your specific interest and outlining your prior experience on the research topic
- List with publications
- Name and email addresses of at least two visible references who are willing to send a recommendation letter on your behalf.
An interview with a scientific presentation on your previous work will be part of the interview process.
For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact: t.j.segers@utwente.nl.
Screening is part of the selection process.
About the department
You will be embedded in the BIOS/Lab on a Chip group at the University of Twente, part of the Max Planck Center Twente for Complex Fluid Dynamics, the J.M. Burgers Research Center for Fluid Mechanics, and the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology. You will work in a multidisciplinary research environment with close interaction with leading scientists in the field. You will be part of a focused sub-group working on microbubble physics and will contribute to the guidance and supervision of PhD students involved in microbubble production, functionalization, physical modeling, and ultrasound imaging. The group offers a collegial and international working environment, with active social interaction among colleagues.
About the organisation
The faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) uses mathematics, electronics and computer technology to contribute to the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). With ICT present in almost every device and product we use nowadays, we embrace our role as contributors to a broad range of societal activities and as pioneers of tomorrow's digital society. As part of a tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
