R&D Manager, Eindhoven

About ARTIC ARTIC Technologies is a young, dynamic company developing advanced microscale fluid control solutions inspired by nature. Our first focus is to enable scientists to create better models for preclinical drug testing by offering a user-friendly platform for cell culture. This platform makes cell culture models more human‑representative and increases their reproducibility, without compromising ease of use. This saves time and costs in drug development, while ultimately reducing animal tests.

Spun off from Eindhoven University of Technology, we use Magnetic Artificial Cilia (MAC) technology to move and control fluids with high precision. These tiny, nature‑inspired hairs enable gentle, contactless fluid flow, which is ideal for complex in‑vitro models.

Why this role matters We are currently in the early stages of developing our dynamic and scalable cell culture platform. This platform consists of an array of tiny magnetic hairs (MAC), a microfluidic plate (MAC plate) and a magnetic actuation system that drives the movement of these hairs (MACnet). First prototypes and functional tests with cells have given us insights on what is possible and where more R&D is needed.

As ARTIC grows from prototype development into industrial product development and customer pilots, we are looking for an R&D manager who can bridge technology, product development, manufacturing and team coordination. This role is critical in ensuring smooth collaboration between R&D engineers, suppliers, industrial partners and management.

Tasks

Coordinate and manage day-to-day technical activities within the R&D team

Help define development roadmaps, milestones and technical priorities together with the CTO

Guide engineers in selecting appropriate development methods and validation strategies

Review prototypes and technical concepts together with the R&D team

Act as a technical bridge between the MACplate and MACnet actuation system

Support the transition from exploratory prototypes towards industrially manufacturable products

Coordinate communication with industrial suppliers and development partners

Improve internal communication and documentation structures within R&D

Track timelines, technical risks and deliverables across projects

What success would look like

Well-coordinated technical development activities across the R&D team

Improved communication and alignment between engineers, suppliers and management

Efficient prototype development with reduced technical bottlenecks

Successful translation of prototypes into scalable industrial designs

A structured and collaborative R&D culture

Requirements Required qualifications

MSc, PhD, University BSc or HBO degree in mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, mechatronics, product development or a related field

Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, technical project management (in an industrial setting) or industrial R&D

Experience working in multidisciplinary engineering environments

Experience with industrial manufacturing and supplier collaboration is strongly preferred

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Ability to structure complex technical projects and coordinate multiple parallel activities

Comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment with evolving priorities

Fluency in English

What fits our startup culture well?

Are passionate about working for an impact-driven startup company

Are proactive and take ownership

Enjoy coordinating people and technology

Can balance technical depth with pragmatism

Are comfortable communicating with both engineers and industrial partners

Enjoy helping teams work more efficiently together

Benefits

Salary: to be discussed. A ZZP position is also possible (in consultation).

Number of holidays (for full-time position): 25 (in addition to official Dutch holidays).

Flexible working hours and arrangements

Professional growth opportunities and training budget

Working in one of Europe’s leading tech innovation regions (Brainport Eindhoven)

A small and ambitious impact-driven team, with team events to unwind and get to know each other better on a personal level

Cutting-edge lab equipment and close collaboration with industrial partners

Good coffee/tea guaranteed

Position details

Part‑time position (16–24 hours per week). It will start with a 7‑month contract, with intended extension and gradual increase in hours up to a full‑time position (40 hours) when both sides experience a good match.

Location: Eindhoven, The Netherlands, including occasional travel abroad.

Combination of office, lab and partner interactions.

Expected start date: to be discussed.

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