Researcher Position in Electrophysiology

Researcher Position in Electrophysiology Study neural activity using electrophysiology, bioelectronic interfaces and 3D hydrogel cell cultures.

A 1-year researcher position is available in the research group of Achilleas Savva in the Department of Microelectronics at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. Our research aims to develop multifunctional bioelectronic interfaces that can monitor, stimulate and interact with biological systems. By combining organic electronic materials, soft hydrogels, microfabricated electrodes and advanced cell culture models, we develop technologies for studying electrophysiological activity and engineering new interfaces with the nervous system. In this project, you will focus on the electrophysiological characterization of neural cell cultures using microelectrode arrays and soft bioelectronic interfaces. You will work with microfabricated electrode technologies developed within our group and establish experimental protocols for recording and stimulating electrically active cells and tissues. A major part of your work will involve cell culture and electrophysiological measurements, including the preparation and maintenance of neural cell cultures, integration of cells with electrode arrays and hydrogel constructs, and recording of their electrical activity. You will perform and analyse extracellular electrophysiological recordings to investigate parameters such as neuronal activity, network development and responses to electrical stimulation. You will also investigate how 3D and hydrogel-based culture environments influence cellular electrophysiology. This will include integrating cells within soft hydrogel constructs and interfacing these constructs with microelectrode arrays to establish reproducible platforms for recording and stimulation. Depending on the project development, you may also contribute to the electrical and electrochemical characterization of electrodes and bioelectronic devices. An important part of the position will be the development of robust experimental protocols and quantitative analysis pipelines that allow comparison between different electrode technologies, cell culture conditions and hydrogel environments. You will document experimental procedures, analyse and interpret electrophysiological data, and contribute to scientific publications arising from the project. You will be embedded in the multidisciplinary Bioelectronics research team at TU Delft and work closely with PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and students developing organic bioelectronics, conducting hydrogels, microelectrode arrays and neural interfaces. The position offers the opportunity to work at the interface of bioelectronics, electrophysiology, cell biology and biomaterials, while contributing to the development of next-generation technologies for monitoring and stimulating neural systems.

An MSc degree in biomedical engineering, bioengineering, neuroscience, cell biology, electrical engineering, or a related field. Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture, preferably neuronal or stem-cell-derived cultures. Experience or a strong interest in electrophysiological recordings and electrical stimulation of cells. Familiarity with microelectrode arrays (MEAs) or other electrophysiological recording technologies is highly desirable. Experience with hydrogels, biomaterials or 3D cell culture is considered an advantage. Strong experimental skills and the ability to analyse, interpret and document quantitative biological and electrophysiological data. Ability to work independently and take initiative, while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary research team. Excellent communication skills and good proficiency in English, both written and spoken.

Duration of contract is 1 year. A job of 36-40 hours per week. A salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3706 - €5760 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%. An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. Flexible working week. Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. Partially paid parental leave Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference. For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow. These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future. At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional. Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.

The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment. Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.