Biotechnology & Market Innovation for needle-free jet injection

At FlowBeams, we are developing needle-free injection technology to make medical and cosmetic procedures safer, more comfortable, stress-free and available for everyone. Backed by numerous innovation awards and international traction (including CES), we're on a mission to replace needles with a patented and revolutionary technology! We are a spin-off from the University of Twente (Netherlands) and currently have a team of 7 employees (5.4 FTE).

The internship is part of an ongoing EIC Transition-funded MedTech innovation project focused on developing a next-generation needle-free jet injector. The project lies within the thematic area of medical devices and health technology, aiming to create a safer, more user-friendly, and scalable alternative to traditional injection methods.

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We are seeking a motivated PhD student intern to contribute to the advancement of our jet injection platform, with a focus on the cosmetic injectables market. The internship will explore which cosmetic formulations (e.g., fillers, botulinum toxin, skin boosters) can be delivered via needle-free jet injection. The candidate will examine both the technical feasibility (can we inject these substances effectively and safely?) and the market potential (which injectables demonstrate the greatest demand and growth opportunities).

The intern will work at the intersection of R&D and business innovation. On the technical side, you will collaborate with our engineering and product development teams to test and evaluate different cosmetic injectables for compatibility with our system. On the market side, you will conduct research into industry trends, market demand, and customer needs to help identify high-value application areas for commercialization.

Your expertise as a PhD-level researcher is essential to combine rigorous technical analysis with critical thinking and an entrepreneurial mindset. By contributing both scientific and market insights, you will help shape our innovation roadmap and bring our needle-free technology closer to market adoption.

Key Outcomes

Through this internship, the candidate will gain unique company and entrepreneurial experience within a deep-tech startup environment. Key outcomes include:

• Developing competencies in applied research translation, from laboratory findings to real-world applications.
• Acquiring practical experience in market analysis and technology validation.
• Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration skills by bridging technical development and business strategy.
• Producing a clear technical and market assessment report identifying which cosmetic injectables are most promising for needle-free delivery.

The activities carried out will directly inform the innovation project's objectives by validating product-market fit and ensuring that our technology is developed with both scientific rigor and market relevance.

Type of Stream: Aspiring Innovators (entrepreneur-focused internship)

Required Qualifications

• Degree Level: Enrolled in a PhD program in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, pharmacy, medical technology, or a related field.
• Specific Technical Skills: Strong understanding of biomaterials, drug delivery systems, or cosmetic/medical formulations; experience with laboratory testing and data analysis.
• Soft Skills: Analytical mindset, ability to work independently, excellent communication skills, and a strong interest in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous exposure to cosmetic injectables, medical device development, or regulatory affairs.
• Experience in market research, business development, or startup environments.
• Enthusiasm for translating science into impactful products.

Duration of the internship can be discussed with the candidate, but ideally between 3 and 6 months. For questions regarding the internship, you can contact Jelle Schoppink (CTO) at [email protected].