PhD Researcher to Investigate Single-Cell Biophysics in Early Metastasis

Passionate about biophysics and cancer research? Join us in unravelling the role of single-cell mechanics in metastatic conditions! We're seeking a skilled PhD researcher to use AFM and FluidFM techniques to uncover biophysical disease markers.

Job description
Mac4Me (Macrophage Targets for Metastatic Treatment) is a pan-European Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (DC) with 18 PhD candidates aimed at understanding the specific tumour cell-immune host interactions at the metastatic site to identify new immune targets. Mac4Me will use animal-free organ-on-chip (OoC) systems to recapitulate early liver, bone and brain metastasis of cancer developing across our life, such as neuroblastoma, breast and prostate cancer. Data from these preclinical models will be integrated with real-world clinical data using AI approaches to identify new immune targets. Mac4Me offers a unique and innovative research training programme comprising both scientific knowledge and transferable skills and integrating participatory science principles as a starting point.

At TU Delft you will focus on investigating the biophysics of single cells in early cancer metastatic conditions. The goal is to quantify shape, size, mechanical properties and adhesion strength of individual cancer and immune cells to discover potential biophysical disease markers. Experiments will be performed using AFM and FluidFM methods on the available advanced bioAFM instrument. A novel patented multifunctional microfluidic AFM probe will be used to perform efficient integrated measurements. Suitable analytical models will be developed to analyze the data and interpret the results in collaboration with other partners in the network. Analytical frameworks like RHEOS software, FEM models and machine learning concepts for large data sets generated will be explored with collaborators.

Micro and Nano Engineering
This position is embedded within the Micro and Nano Engineering (MNE) section of the Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft. You will join leading research group of Dr. Murali Ghatkesar developing novel precision microfluidic tools to quantify and understand single cell (and subcellular) biophysics. Within the department, you will co-work with PhD students and postdocs specializing in microfabrication, nanomechanics, biophysics, and precision measurements. You will be trained to use our high-tech laboratory facilities with high resolution 3D printers, advanced optical microscopes including confocal, SEM, advanced bioAFM, micro-Raman spectroscopy, profilometers, and several other characterization tools. There are also state-of-the-art cleanrooms and a brand-new Biosafety level 2 labs available. In your research, you will closely collaborate with PhD and Postdoc researchers at Erasmus medical center, Politecnico di Milano, and Technical university in Dresden. As part of your research, you will have the opportunity to visit collaborators as secondment for 3 - 6 months.

Regular interactions with experts across disciplines foster scientific growth and professional development. The open and collaborative environment encourages daily knowledge exchange, with minimal hierarchical barriers ensuring strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in scientific research.

Job requirements

• You have a master degree in Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or Nanotechnology, with specialization in Micro/Nano Engineering, Biophysics, Bionanosciences, or Bioengineering;
• You have experience in more than one of the following: atomic force microscopy (AFM) / spectroscopy, statistical data analysis, biophysics, FEM simulations, analytical modelling, microfluidics and microfabrication;
• A strong interest in single-cell biophysics and cancer research;
• Excellent experimental, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
• Self-driven attitude, creativity and autonomy;
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English;
• Agile collaborative skills.

As per transnational mobility rule of Marie-Curie Doctoral networks, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months prior to the appointment date for the position at TU Delft.

The following will make you stand out:

• Creative, open-minded and proactive researcher;
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills;
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently.

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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment
As per transnational mobility rule of Marie-Curie Doctoral networks, the applicant must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work or studies) in The Netherlands for more than 12 months prior to the appointment date for the position at TU Delft.

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.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact HR advisor Linda Verhaar, via email: recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

The website of the recruiting person (Dr. Murali Ghatkesar) can be found through this link:

https://www.tudelft.nl/staff/m.k.ghatkesar/.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 16 March 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV;
• Motivational letter in which you describe your personal motivation and specific qualifications for this position (max 1 page);
• Abstract of your MSc thesis;
• Copies of two journal/conference publications (if applicable);
• Contact information of up to 2 referees.

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.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5