PhD in microfluidic contact lenses for controlled tear collection and analysis

The Department of Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.

Introduction

Are you excited about the future of wearable healthcare? Join us to merge microfluidics and contact lens technology, developing smart lenses that enable controlled tear fluid collection and analysis for non-invasive health monitoring.

Job Description

Tears contain a rich variety of biomarkers associated with both ocular and systemic diseases, including glaucoma, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer. However, current tear-collection methods can alter tear composition and prevent reliable measurements, limiting the clinical adoption of tear-based diagnostics.

In this PhD project, you will develop innovative microfluidic contact lenses capable of collecting and analysing tear fluid in a controlled and non-invasive manner. By integrating microchannels, microvalves, and sensing functionalities into soft hydrogel lenses, you will help establish the technological foundation for a new generation of wearable diagnostic devices that enable continuous health monitoring.

In this position, you will:

• Design and develop microfluidic architectures and microvalve technologies for wearable contact lens applications.
• Apply advanced microfabrication techniques to integrate complex microfluidic systems into curved, hydrogel contact lenses.
• Investigate fluid transport, sensing capabilities, and material behaviour within hydrogel-based microsystems.
• Publish your research in leading scientific journals and present your work at international conferences.
• Collaborate with academic and industrial partners.
• Support teaching activities and supervise BSc and MSc students.

By joining this project, you will contribute to the future of personalized healthcare through technologies that could make disease detection and monitoring simpler, more accessible, and less invasive.

Embedding

You will contribute to the research activities of the Microsystems research section within the Department of Mechanical Engineering, headed by prof.dr.ir. Jaap den Toonder, and will be supervised by dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira. The Microsystems group manages the Microfab/lab, a state-of-the-art micro fabrication facility that houses a range of micro manufacturing technologies – microfluidics technology is one of the main research pillars of the group.

Job Requirements

We are looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious PhD candidate who is excited to work at the interface of microfluidics, microfabrication, biomaterials, and wearable healthcare technologies.

You have:

• A MSc degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Microtechnology, Materials Science, Applied Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: microfluidics, microfabrication, bioMEMS, (bio)sensors, or biomaterials. Candidates with a background in one area and a strong interest to master the others are also encouraged to apply.
• A strong affinity for both hands-on experimental research and the development of fundamental scientific understanding.
• The ability to independently plan, execute, and manage research projects while meeting deadlines.
• A collaborative mindset and enthusiasm for working in an international and multidisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

The following experience is considered an advantage:

• Cleanroom fabrication and microfabrication techniques.
• Hydrogel materials or soft materials engineering.
• (Bio)Sensor development and characterization.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates who are curious, self-driven, eager to learn new skills, and motivated to translate fundamental research into technologies with real societal impact.

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 Mechanical Engineering department conducts world-class research aligned with the technological interests of the high-tech industry in the Netherlands, with a focus on the Brainport region. Our goal is to produce engineers who are both scientifically educated and application-driven by providing a balanced education and research program that combines fundamental and application aspects. We equip our graduates with practical and theoretical expertise, preparing them optimally for future challenges.### Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira (i.c.figueiredo.pereira@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact HRServices, hrservices.me@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.

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.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Type of employment: temporary position | Contract type: full time | Number of positions: 1 | Full-time equivalent: 1.0 FTE | City: Eindhoven | County: Noord-Brabant | Country: Netherlands | Reference number: 2026/552 | Published: 2026-09-07 | Last application date: 2026-10-07