PhD Position in Hydrogel Bioelectronics

Delft University of Technology via AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Health insurance discounts

Flexible work schedules

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a 4-year PhD candidate position in the Department of Microelectronics. The project develops soft, 3D-printed hydrogel bioelectronic neural interfaces using one‑photon polymerization and high‑resolution 3D printing, integrating conductive polymers into hydrogel architectures.

You will optimize materials and processes to create conductive tracks and electrodes, then apply devices to interface with human neural cell cultures in

Qualifications

• MSc in electrical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or related field.
• Background or strong interest in bioelectronics, organic electronics, hydrogels, microfabrication, or additive manufacturing/3D printing.
• Interest in developing soft and 3D-printed electronic devices for biological applications.
• Strong experimental and technical lab skills and hands-on research mindset.
• Excellent teamwork and communication in an multidisciplinary international environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop printable materials and fabrication processes for conductive tracks and electrodes within soft 3D structures.
• Characterize electrical, electrochemical, optical and mechanical properties of printed hydrogel devices.
• Interface printed hydrogel structures with microfabricated electronic platforms and test in vitro with human neural cell cultures.

Skills

Bioelectronics

3D printing

Microfabrication

Lab skills

English fluency

Education

MSc in related field

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Engineering » Biomedical engineering Engineering » Electronic engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 11 Oct 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Develop soft, 3D-printed hydrogel bioelectronics for next-generation neural interfaces.
Job description
A 4-year PhD candidate 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 and multidimensional bioelectronic interfaces that can address fundamental questions in biology and enable new technologies for treating disease. By combining organic electronic materials, soft hydrogels and advanced microfabrication and 3D-printing technologies, we develop devices that can interact with human cells and tissues with high spatial and temporal resolution.
You will embark on a new project focused on the development of 3D-printed hydrogel bioelectronics for neural interfaces. You will use one‑photon polymerization and high‑resolution 3D printing to fabricate soft hydrogel structures and integrate them with organic electronic materials, including conducting polymers. The goal is to establish printing strategies that enable electronic functionality to be incorporated directly into three-dimensional, cell‑compatible hydrogel architectures.
During the first part of the project, you will develop and optimize printable materials and fabrication processes for creating conductive tracks, electrodes and other electronic components within soft 3D structures. You will characterize their electrical, electrochemical, optical and mechanical properties and investigate the integration of printed hydrogel structures with microfabricated electronic platforms.
Later, you will use these devices to interface with human neural cell cultures in vitro. You will investigate how 3‑D hydrogel bioelectronic structures can support and guide neuronal growth while enabling electrical recording and stimulation. The ultimate goal is to develop a new generation of soft, 3‑D and regenerative bioelectronic interfaces that combine electronic functionality with a biomimetic cellular environment.
You will be embedded in the multidisciplinary Bioelectronics research team at TU Delft and collaborate with researchers working on organic bioelectronics, neural interfaces, conducting polymers, microfabrication and advanced 3‑D printing. You will work at the interface of electrical engineering, materials science, additive manufacturing, biology and bioengineering to develop novel bioelectronic technologies for the future of healthcare.

Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate who is curious, hands‑on, and excited to work at the interface of engineering, materials science and biology. You should have:

• An MSc degree in electrical engineering, bioengineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field.
• A background or strong interest in bioelectronics, organic electronics, hydrogels, microfabrication or additive manufacturing/3D printing.
• Interest in developing soft and 3D‑printed electronic devices for biological applications.
• Strong experimental and technical skills and enthusiasm for hands‑on laboratory research.
• A curiosity‑driven and problem‑solving mindset, with an eagerness to explore new technologies and research directions.
• The ability to work independently, take initiative and contribute creatively to the project.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills and enthusiasm for working in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.
• Good proficiency in English, enabling you to participate in doctoral courses, write scientific publications and present your research at international conferences.
• Not sure whether you meet every requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Candidates with complementary backgrounds and a strong motivation to learn are very welcome.

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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
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.

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
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Achilleas Savva, via [e-mail] .