The goal of this research project is to understand the break up of natural blood aggregates in model 3-D microfluidic channels as well as physiological shaped channels, tuning the interplay between interaction strength and complex flow geometries. The candidate will design , build and use a range of micro-fluidic channel structures , which should finally mimic blood flow from the heart to the brain. To this end a novel Laser etching techniques will be used, which can produce arbitrary shaped channels on a scale of a few micrometers and this technique will be coupled to real 3D data of the micro-vascular system as it is being obtained  in Jülich.

The candidate will have a background in physics, mechanical or chemical engineering, preferentially with interest in biological and Soft Matter systems. He/she should have experimental as well as computational skills. He/she will work mainly in the department ICS-2, with long stays in the ZEA-1  and INM-1, respectively the engineering and Human Brain department. The degree will be granted at the physics department of the KU Leuven.