PhD on Analytical Chemistry

Introduction

The advent of automated production in nanomedicine opens transformative opportunities for advancing healthcare innovation. By enabling high-throughput synthesis, precise control over nanoparticle properties, and scalable manufacturing, automation accelerates the development of novel nanomedicines, bridging the gap from academic research to clinical applications. Nanomedicine, a field that integrates nanotechnology with healthcare, harnesses nanoparticles—nanostructures formed from diverse components that self-organize into functional units due to their chemical or physical properties—to address a wide range of diseases. A landmark achievement highlighting this potential is the rapid development of mRNA vaccines, such as those for COVID-19, which demonstrated the power of nanotechnology in delivering life-saving therapeutics.

Despite its promise, the translation of innovative nanomedicines from concepts to real-world products is often hindered by challenges in expertise and manufacturability. Nanoworx, established in 2024 as a subsidiary of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), addresses this gap by offering unparalleled expertise in nanomedicine design and access to cutting-edge equipment. Operating as a Contract Research Organization (CRO), Nanoworx combines advanced design and prototyping, automated library production, and high-throughput screening services to support academia, startups, and pharmaceutical companies in expediting and refining the development of next-generation nanomedicines.

Job Description

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate to join our dynamic team at Nanoworx! As an Analytical Chemistry Specialist, you will play a key role in help advancing our research capabilities as well as delivering high-quality analytical services to our clients. Embedded within the Precision Medicine group, led by prof. Dr. Willem Mulder, you will work at the intersection of academia and industry, contributing to innovative solutions for nanoparticle characterization.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct innovative research to enhance Nanoworx’s analytical methodologies.
• Conduct analytical chemistry operations in collaboration to senior research scientists.
• Collaborate with team members to design and implement research projects.
• Support nanoformulation and in vitro characterization workflows.
• Train in cryo-TEM sample preparation, imaging, and interpretation, leading Nanoworx’ efforts in this area.
• Analyze and interpret data, delivering clear and concise reports, and contribute to team discussions.
• Mentor and supervise junior researchers, students, and interns.
• Communicate research findings through research papers, scientific journal publications, and conference presentations.

Job Requirements

Background

• MSc degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• Expertise in analytical (physics/chemistry) techniques.
• Basic understanding of nanoparticle formulation chemistry is a plus.

Technical Skills

• Strong hands-on experience or a keen interest in analytical chemistry, particularly HPLC (experience is a bonus).
• Willingness to train in cryo-TEM sample preparation and interpretation.
• Knowledge of automation, formulation chemistry, or data management and analysis is a plus.

Soft Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a client-oriented mindset.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong reporting and presentation skills.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Who You Are

• Creative, ambitious, and persistent with a strong work ethic.
• Eager to contribute to a fast-paced, innovative environment.
• Passionate about advancing Nanoworx’ mission to unlock nanomedicine’s full potential.

Join us to make a lasting impact in the field of nanotechnology!

If you are concerned that you don’t meet all the requirements sufficiently, but the job does excite you, then be sure to respond, we would love to look at your profile.

Nanoworx will provide a meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious start-up, working in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. In addition to working in a technically and academically challenging environment, you will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

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. € 3,059 max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• 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, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

Nanoworx is a subsidiary of the Eindhoven University of Technology and uses the TU/e’s systems and employment processes.

Here you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e.

Information & application

About TU/e

TU/e is a leading international university that educates engineers of the future and pushes the boundaries of science and technology for a better world. An international community of close to 7,000 employees and 13,000 students work and study on the vibrant and inspiring campus.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers top-level education and research in one of the most relevant and exciting scientific disciplines of the 21st century: engineering health. In combining engineering and life sciences, through challenge-based learning and a multidisciplinary approach in collaboration with hospitals, industry and others, the department addresses the great challenges of the future, striving to improve healthcare and society as a whole.

Visit the Nanoworx website or LinkedIn page for more information about Nanoworx

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager: Anna-Maria Makri Pistikou, COO Nanoworx, at a.pistikou@tue.nl or +31 6 1991 0214 6.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact our HR advisor hradvicebme@tue.nl.

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.

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.