项目介绍

2026年8月15日

Help build a needle-free future for dialysis patients. Join TU Delft and LUMC to develop a transcutaneous vascular access, uniting biomaterials, medical technology and clinical nephrology.

Job description

Fundamental biomedical research and clinical impact come together in this four-year PhD project within the TRANSPORT programme. As a PhD candidate, you will work on the development of an innovative, transcutaneous and needle-free vascular access for hemodialysis. The project is a collaboration between Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) and Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), closely linking advanced biomaterials, medical technology and clinical nephrology.

What will you do?
• Design and optimise a transcutaneous vascular access port
• Develop and test biomaterials and surface coatings with a focus on hemocompatibility
• Perform in vitro experiments on thrombogenicity and biofilm formation under flow conditions
• Analyse, interpret and publish research results in international scientific journals

Where will you work?
You will be appointed at TU Delft and work within a research group with strong expertise in vascular access, large animal models and clinical translation. At the same time, you will be scientifically embedded in research groups at TU Delft focusing on biomaterials and additive manufacturing. This collaboration offers a unique environment where fundamental technology development is directly connected to clinical application.

Job requirements

• A completed MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, Clinical Technology, Biomedical Sciences or a closely related field
• Affinity with biomaterials, medical devices and translational research
• Interest in experimental research and data analysis
• Good communication skills in English, both written and oral
• A critical and independent working attitude

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

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. 

Faculty Mechanical Engineering 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €3204 – €4051 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. 

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.  

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  

Additional information

For substantive questions about this position, please contact:
Prof. A.A. Zadpoor, Delft University of Technology, a.a.zadpoor@tudelft.nl
Prof. J.I. Rotmans, Leiden University Medical Center, j.i.rotmans@lumc.nl

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 13 September 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Prof. A.A. Zadpoor.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements. 

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.