PhD position “Artificial Microswimmers: Unravelling 3D Real-Space Dynamics”

We are happy to announce a fully funded Ph.D. position in the cutting-edge field of active soft matter, focusing on developing artificial microswimmers capable of autonomous motion and transport in 3D. We are looking for a highly motivated and curiosity-driven person who enjoys conceptual thinking and is passionate about learning new concepts and doing original research.

Autonomous motion, activity, and transport of microorganisms in fluids are the hallmark features of living systems. In recent years, this has fueled an emerging new research field, namely ‘'active or autonomous matter,” focused on designing synthetic microswimmers with unique capabilities such as self- propulsion, assembling themselves, and response to local environments 1,2. However, creating micron-sized artificial building blocks that can swim autonomously in 3D is challenging.

To address this challenge, the primary objective of this project is to develop a unique experimental model system to better understand the dynamic self- organization of microorganisms in 3D using optical microscopy techniques. Ultimately, this project aims to increase our fundamental understanding of the dynamic self-organization of microorganisms in 3D and steer the development of valuable design rules, ultimately leading to the fabrication of smart micromachines for potential technological and biomedical applications, e.g., transporting cargos to desired targets, sensing of the local environment, mixing of fluids, reconfigurable materials, and active mass transport in catalysis.

The successful candidate will join the Active Soft Matter Lab within the Nanobiophysics group at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. This position offers ample opportunities for collaboration and interaction with various academic and industrial partners. You will work in a dynamic, highly interdisciplinary environment, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to further the understanding and applications of microswimmers. References:

1. Vutukuri, et al., Nature, 586, 52, 2020. article

2. Vutukuri, et al., Nat. Communi, 586, 52, 2020. article

3. Susana, et al., Nat. Communi , 14 ,7896, 2023. article

Your profile

A Master's degree (or equivalent) in applied Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, or at the interface between Physics and Chemistry is required. Students with an MS or MSc in Chemical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering are also encouraged to apply if their Master's thesis work is related to soft matter.

Prior experience with experimental skills, ideally including optical microscope techniques and colloidal particle synthesis, is a valuable asset but not mandatory.

Working knowledge or demonstrated practical programming experience in Python, ImageJ, and/or MATLAB is highly beneficial.

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are essential.

Our offer

You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 4 years.

The position is available immediately.

The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.

The PhD salary is € 2.770 in the first year, increasing to € 3.539 in the fourth year.

The offer further involves a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29-day holidays, and numerous professional and personal development programs.

Information and application

Please submit your online application before 16th Feb 2024 for full consideration. Your application should include the following documents:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation, qualifications, and research experience for the position (max 1 page)—possible starting date.

Curriculum vitae, including a list of publications (if applicable).

Digital bachelor and master transcripts.

Name and contact details of two references who worked closely with you.

Note that we accept applications submitted through our online application portal.

For more information about this position, please contact Dr. H. R. Vutukuri ([email protected]). +31 53 489 3223.

About the department

Our Lab focuses on active soft matter and bioinspired materials and is situated within the Nanobiophysics group at the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands. Our team is passionately committed to unraveling the fundamental principles governing dynamic self-organization in living matter, biomechanics of bio-membranes, and active particle transport in complex fluids through a soft matter lens.

About the organisation

The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first 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 and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.

Want to know more? Vutukuri, H.R. (Hanumantha Rao)

Assistant Professor

Vutukuri, H.R. (Hanumantha Rao)

Assistant Professor

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Then you can contact Hanumantha Rao for all substantive questions about this position and the application procedure. For general questions about working for the UT, please refer to the chatbot.

Contact

Phone:+31534893223

Email:[email protected]

How to apply Step 1

Apply. When you see a vacancy that appeals to you, you can apply online. We ask you to upload a CV and motivation letter and/or list of publications. You will receive a confirmation of receipt by e-mail.

Step 2

Selection. The selection committee will review your application and you will receive a response within 2 weeks after the vacancy has been closed.

Step 3

1st interview. The 1st (online or in person) meeting serves as an introduction where we introduce ourselves to you and you to us. You may be asked to give a short presentation. This will be further explained in the invitation.

Step 4

2nd interview. In the second interview, we will further discuss the job content, your skills and your talents.

Step 5

The offer. If the conversations are positive, you will be made a suitable offer.

Your Colleagues

Steenbergen, W. (Wiendelt)

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Pizzoccaro - Zilamy, M.D. (Marie-Alix)

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Vargas Llona, L.D. (Laura)

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Our university is a public institution that serves society. We are accountable to society for the ways in which we use our academic freedom. We are responsible for ensuring that the power of science and technology is harnessed to achieve the best possible impact in a changing world. We cherish our rich tradition of combining technical and social sciences in our five profiling themes: Improving healthcare by personalized technologies; Creating intelligent manufacturing systems; Shaping our world with smart materials; Engineering our digital society; and Engineering for a resilient world.

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We want our communities to flourish and show resilience, so we seize opportunities for innovation. We are knowledgeable and have an eye for what society needs. Our students and staff receive all the guidance they need in their quest for ecological, social and economic sustainability. “The University of Twente is all about people. Our sustainable technologies help to strengthen society.”

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