Postdoc Developing an Acoustofluidic Platform for Automated Sorting of Synthetic Cells

Passionate about nanotechnology to solve outstanding questions in synthetic biology? Join us! We're seeking a experimental postdoc to develop a device for on-the-fly sorting of synthetic cells.

Job description
What if we could build life from scratch? The EVOLF consortium seeks to bridge the gap between non-life and life by creating the first-ever living synthetic cell. Through groundbreaking research and innovative techniques, our interdisciplinary team of EVOLF researchers aims to redefine our understanding of biological complexity and the very essence of life itself. This project is not just about scientific curiosity; it has the potential to revolutionize biotechnology and medicine, impacting society in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

Our ambitious endeavor requires novel technologies including smart microfluidics, which will play a key role in achieving controlled transport, selection and on-the-fly sorting of synthetic cells. You will develop a platform that combines (fluorescence) imaging capabilities with travelling surface acoustic wave actuation, to automatically sort liposomes via spatially-tunable and non-invasive sound fields. We look for applicants with expertise in microfluidics/micro- and nano-fabrication and electronics, who have a keen interest in interdisciplinary, biotech research.

You will design, fabricate and test acoustofluidics devices and closely collaborate with PhD, PDs and PIs of the EVOLF cosortium who work on advanced microscopy and synthetic biology.

DMN Section
Join a cutting-edge research team advancing the understanding and application of small-scale systems in motion. You will be part of the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) section within the Precision and Microsystems Engineering Department of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at TU Delft. DMN is at the forefront of research into the dynamics of micro and nanosystems, exploring their physical properties and pioneering innovations that bridge fundamental science with practical applications.

You will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment at the Delft Kavli Institue of Nanoscience, Mechanical Engineering and Bionanoscience Departments to help develop your research. You’ll join a vibrant and interdisciplinary team of physicists, materials scientists, engineers and biochemists. The environment is open and collaborative, promoting daily interaction and knowledge exchange. You will benefit from strong mentorship and tailored training. Professional growth is a priority, ensuring your success in academia

Job requirements
You need to have:

• PhD degree in Physics, Biophysics, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Engineering or similar.
• Strong background in nanofabrication/nanofluidics, specifically of acoustofluidic devices.
• Experience in handling and imaging biological samples (e.g. lipsomes) is a plus.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

You fit the following profile:

• 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

• Duration of contract is 2,5 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. 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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Sabina Caneva at s.caneva@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 23 February 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation and specific qualifications (max. 2 pages).
• Your CV.
• The names and contact details of three references.
• Abstract of your PhD thesis.

You can address your application to .

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.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5