PhD Position in Hydrogel Bioelectronics

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 3D 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, 3D 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 3D 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

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 A.Savva@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 11 October 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Achilleas Savva.

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.