PhD Position Metabolic Efficiency in Mammalian Cell Culture

Job description
Are you an MSc graduate eager to make a meaningful impact in mammalian cell metabolism and bioprocessing? Do you want to conduct research at the intersection of fundamental and applied science within a multidisciplinary and international team? We offer an exciting PhD opportunity focused on the oxygen-dependent physiology of cultured mammalian cells in suspension, with direct industrial relevance.

Cultured mammalian cells are essential to various industries, from antibody production to the promising field of cultivated meat. Their energy metabolism is a key determinant of production efficiency, and oxygen availability plays a critical role in energy conversion and growth. This project aims to quantify the impact of oxygen on mammalian cell metabolism, bridging 2D cultures to continuous (3D) bioprocesses, and integrating advanced metabolic measurements. By quantifying the role of oxygen in cell physiology and optimising mitochondrial metabolism, we seek to enhance process efficiency and unlock industrial applications.

As a PhD candidate, you will work with cutting-edge technologies and collaborate with experts in energy metabolism, cell physiology, and bioreactor systems. The position is hosted by the Department of Biotechnology at TU Delft. More information about the department can be found here.

The project is supervised by Dr. Marcel Vieira-Lara and is embedded in the Bioenergetics and Quantitative Biology group. Our research focuses on the quantitative analysis of metabolic strategies in industrially relevant organisms, combining fundamental insights with applied approaches to enhance bioprocess efficiency. Learn more about our group here.

Job requirements
We are looking for a talented PhD candidate who should:

• Hold a Master's degree in a relevant field, i.e., biotechnology, biochemistry, biology
• Have knowledge of mammalian cell culture
• Have affinity and experience with quantitative physiology/metabolism
• Have previous experience with bioreactors

Sought-after transferable skills:

• Pro-active and problem solving mindset
• Excellent written and spoken English skills
• Be interested in bridging basic and applied research
• Thrives in a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 in the fourth year. 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 dr. Marcel Vieira-Lara, Assistant Professor, via M.A.VieiraLara@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 4 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• 2-page CV, including contact details of 2 to 3 references
• 1-page motivation letter
• List of MSc transcripts

You can address your application to dr. Marcel Vieira-Lara, Assistant Professor.

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.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5