The main goal of this project is to understand the mechanics of cells and tissue under various flow conditions. You will work with custom-made fluidic setups integrated with microscopy techniques to directly observe and quantify the responses of endothelial cells and tissues to external fluid forces. Your research will include designing experiments with innovative and non-standard tools, performing imaging using confocal microscopy and advanced imaging methods, processing images through open-source software (e.g., Napari, trackpy, CellPose, …), analyzing data, and developing statistical models to interpret your findings.

During your PhD research, you will apply a variety of techniques, including (but not limited to): Microfluidic flow experiments and rheological measurements, Microscopy (including confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy), Advanced image analysis methods, Micro-pipette manipulations, Small-scale force measurements, Optogenetics approaches, Statistical physics methods and modeling.

You will carry out your experiments systematically, ensuring thorough documentation and clear organization of your data. Regular discussion of your progress in lab meetings, collaboration with team members, and supervision of bachelor and master students during internships will also form essential parts of your role.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
• Perform experiments to measure and understand the mechanical response of endothelial cells and tissues under controlled fluidic conditions.
• Conduct microscopy imaging and advanced quantitative analyses.
• Process experimental data using open-source image analysis and perform statistical analysis and modeling.
• perform your experiments in a systematic and well controlled manner and keep accurate records by properly documenting and organizing your work;
• discuss your work in our lab meetings, incorporate feedback and give input to others;
• assist in teaching and supervise BSc/MSc students during their research internship;
• participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training programme.

You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in fundamental cell and tissue biophysics with affinity for microscopy, image analysis, and statistical physics models. You like a challenge and are motivated to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment. You are a team player with good communication and problem-solving skills.

Your experience and profile

You have/are:

• a recent MSc degree in the physics or biological physics (or a related area);
• experience with imaging and image-analysis.
• great programming skills (e.g., Python)
• have great knowledge of fluid mechanics and statistical physics
• affinity with imaging techniques, data analysis, data visualization;
• a high intrinsic motivation and aptitude for fundamental research (reflected by your CV);
• fluent in English, both written and spoken.

Cell culture experience would be an asset.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date 1 November 2025 or sooner. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,901 to € 3,707 (scale P).This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.