Position (Post-doctoral) Researcher
Irène Curie Fellowship No
Department(s) Mechanical Engineering
FTE 1,0
Date off 05/11/2024
Reference number V35.7754
Glaucoma is an eye disease characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to fluid accumulation within the eye. If untreated, it can lead to vision loss and blindness. To manage this condition, glaucoma drainage devices – tube-like shunts – are surgically implanted to lower IOP by creating an outflow pathway for the fluid. However, these devices are typically passive, meaning they have a fixed hydrodynamic resistance due to their fixed lumen diameter. This rigidity can lead to complications such as hypotony, a condition where IOP drops too low (< 5 mmHg) due to excessive fluid drainage caused by improper hydrodynamic resistance of the implant.
This postdoc project aims to develop a novel miniature glaucoma implant with an integrated magnetic valve system, enabling non-invasive adjustment of the implant’s hydrodynamic resistance post-surgery to address each patient’s specific needs. The ultimate goal is to achieve a Minimal Viable Product that can proceed to clinical trials and potentially be commercialized. The project involves designing a new microvalve system, integrating it into a miniature glaucoma drainage device, and extensively testing the implant’s performance through in vitro microfluidic experiments and ex vivo tests. Additionally, you will prepare functional prototypes for in vivo animal experiments.
Job Description
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, affecting over 70 million people worldwide, with projections reaching 112 million by 2040. The primary risk factor is high intraocular pressure (IOP), due to a dysfunction in the eye’s fluidic system. While current glaucoma drainage devices aim to reduce IOP by providing an alternative route for aqueous humor to exit the eye, these devices lack the ability to adjust fluid outflow post-implantation, leading to challenges in managing IOP effectively.
This project seeks to revolutionize glaucoma management by developing an innovative drainage device with an integrated magnetic microvalve system. This system will allow non-invasive adjustment of IOP using an external magnetic actuator.
As a Postdoc on this project, you will:
This position is funded by the NWO Demonstrator project “EyeFlow”, which aims to develop a magnetically adjustable glaucoma implant to the level of a Minimal Viable Product, suitable for clinical trials and potential commercialization. The project involves collaboration with Prof.dr. Henny Beckers from Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), and the industry partner InnFocus Inc., a Santen company in the USA.
Embedding
The postdoc researcher will be embedded in the Microsystems research section at the Department of Mechanical Engineering, headed by prof.dr.ir. Jaap den Toonder, and will be supervised by Dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira and Prof.dr.ir. Jaap den Toonder. 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. There will be also a close collaboration with the Glaucoomkliniek (glaucoma clinic) at University of Eye Clinic of MUMC+, headed by Prof.dr. Henny Beckers.
We seek a motivated researcher with a PhD in mechanical or biomedical engineering, physics, or a related field. The ideal candidate should:
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:
About TU/e
Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.
Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
To learn more about the project, please contact Dr. Inês Figueiredo Pereira, Assistant professor, at i.c.figueiredo.pereira@tue.nl.
Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. For questions about the application process, you can also contact Hind Boulgalag, HR Advisor, at h.boulgalag@tue.nl, or +31 40 247 5902.
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:
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.
We are an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude.
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