English speaking vacancies in Holland: PhD position MESOTAS

Friday, 28 October 2011

PhD position MESOTAS

The University of Twente offers two positions to perform research on microfluidically vascularized 3D-neuronal cell-culture models in combination with microelectrode array (MEA) technology. Microsystems offer a unique geometry for studying computational neuronal functions in-vitro. A microfluidically optimized scaffold will provide a new culture system with artificial vascularized properties allowing for reliable, naturally mimicking and sustained behaviour for 3D co-cultured neuronal networks. Miniaturized analytical methods should be integrated with MEA technology to provide a unique micro-culture environment, which will allow us stringent culture control and subsequently correlation of electrophysiologic and neurochemical information. To design and select appropriate technological solutions for this multidisciplinary system engineering formal design methodology will be applied.

There are two positions vacant that are sponsored by the European Research Council within Luttge’s “ERC Starting- grant” , a prestigious personal European Research Award, which has started 1. October 2011. The PhD students will collaborate in the project with the research chair Clinical Neurophysiology (prof. Van Putten) (www.utwente.nl/mira/research/neural_and_motor_systems/cnph/ ) at University of Twente’s Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine. One position will be on experimental neuroscience research at the boundary with nanotechnology, including computational models. Depending on the candidate’s profile and motivation a selection for either one of the positions will be made.
These positions at the University of Twente, within the MESA+, Institute for Nanotechnology provide challenging opportunities to carry out multidisciplinary research within the themes ‘Microfluidics’, ‘Microreactors’, and ‘‘Nanotechnology’. We provide an unique environment with exposure to a multitude of disciplines in physics and chemistry for academically gifted and motivated students to prepare for a scientific career.

You are an enthusiastic student with an MSc degree in Micro- and Nanotechnology or other Engineering Sciences as well as Applied Physics. Degrees in Analytical Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences will be considered. You have a background and a demonstrable interest in microfluidics and nanofabrication of devices, and preferably experience with clean room techniques. You are excited by the prospect of creating novel systems for (bio)chemical or pharmaceutical applications which may lead to a paradigm shift in the field of cell screening process technology, tissue engineering and specifically in neuroscience and -technology. We are looking for pro-active researchers willing to devote the first period of their (scientific) career on the topics listed above. We ask for good communicative and good collaboration skills. Candidates should be prepared to prove their English language skills. As a research outcome we expect (prototype) devices, publications, and a PhD thesis.

Starting date of the position: one of the positions as soon as possible.
For further information you may contact R. Luttge by email (see website of MCS group: www.utwente.nl/tnw/mcs )
Your application should consist of:
-a cover letter (explain your specific interest, motivation for a PhD position and qualifications),
-a full Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses + marks,
-a short description of your MSc thesis,
-references (contact information) of at least two scientific staff members.

-A PhD position for four years (38 hrs/week)
-A stimulating scientific environment
-Gross salary ranging from € 2042 to € 2612 (4th yr) per month
-Holiday allowance (8%), end-of-year bonus (8.3%)
-Excellent facilities for professional and personal development.
-Good secondary conditions
-A green Campus with lots of sports facilities

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which drives change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands; divided over six faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. The University of Twente has a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out pioneering research.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and more than 1100 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes IMPACT, MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

See: http://www.academictransfer.com/employer/UT/vacancy/11734/lang/nl/

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Introduction of the ‘European Blue Card’

As from 19 June 2011 the Netherlands has a new purpose of stay: the European Blue Card. The European Blue Card is a separate purpose of stay in addition to the existing National Highly Skilled Migrant Programme. The EU Blue Card Council Directive is intended for highly skilled foreign nationals who do not have EU, EEA or Swiss nationality, and who wish to work in one of the member states of the EU. The Directive is also meant to make it easier to settle in another EU member state. A residence permit will always be required in that other member state, however. To obtain this residence permit the employee must comply with the conditions applicable in that member state.

The conditions for residence in the Netherlands as an EU Blue Card holder are stricter than those for residence as a Highly Skilled Migrant. The employee must have a contract for highly qualified employment for at least one year, earning at least EUR 60,000 gross (in 2011). The employee must have completed a course of higher education lasting at least three years. The employee must prove this by having his diploma assessed by Nuffic. For a regulated profession, a competent authority will take decisions about the admission to that profession.

Advantages
One of the advantages of the EU Blue Card is that it is easier for an EU Blue Card holder and his family members to settle in another EU member state at a later date. After eighteen months foreign nationals who have an EU Blue Card are exempted from the provisional residence permit (MVV) requirement, if they want to work in another EU member State. In this second member state the employee must submit an application for a residence permit as a holder of an EU Blue Card. Each member state may implement the directive in slightly different ways. If someone holds a Blue Card in the Netherlands, this does not mean that the requirements are also met in other member states.

Another advantage is that after having stayed lawfully with the EU Blue Card holder in the Netherlands for two years, the family members may apply for a residence permit for ‘continued residence’. For other purposes of stay this is only possible after having stayed lawfully in the Netherlands for three years. The family members must have resided legally and continuously within the territory of an EU member state for at least five years, however. An employee who has stayed legally in the Netherlands as an EU Blue Card holder for two years may apply for the status of ‘long-term resident as a non-EU member country national’. He must have resided legally and continuously within EU territory for five years and must comply with the other conditions for this purpose of stay.

Highly skilled migrants from outside of the EU

A highly skilled migrant is a migrant who comes to the Netherlands to be employed, and has a gross annual income of at least €47,565, or €34,881 if he/she is under thirty. This income requirement does not apply if the employee enters service for certain functions in an educational or research institution. For information on the specific functions to which this clause applies, you can inquire at the IND office for labour and highly skilled migrants. When a foreign national has been granted residence in the Netherlands as a highly skilled migrant, the employer of the highly skilled migrant is not required to be in possession of a work permit for that foreign national.

Professional soccer players, ministers of religion, teachers of religion and prostitutes are not eligible for a residency as highly skilled migrant.

Important!
The amounts stated above will be indexed every year as of 1 January.