Postdoc Synthetic Cell Research in the Gijsje Koenderink Lab

How do lifeless molecules interact to form a living cell that sustains itself, grows and divides? The EVOLF initiative (https://www.evolf.life/) is a collaborative 10-year research program that aims to understand ‘how life works’ by building an autonomous self-reproducing synthetic cell from the bottom up. The Koenderink lab focuses on the challenges of reconstituting cell division as well as interaction of the synthetic cell with its environment through transmembrane adhesion receptors.
The Gijsje Koenderink lab is an experimental biophysics lab that studies mechanisms of cell morphogenesis by bottom-up synthetic biology. The lab is embedded in the TU Delft Bionanoscience Department, which focuses on the fundamental understanding of biological processes from molecule to cell. The department features an inspiring and supportive international environment with access to state-of-the art facilities for microfluidics and nanofabrication (Kavli Nanolab), advanced imaging, molecular/cell biology, biochemistry, and high-performance computing for image processing.
The postdoctoral position is for 2.5 years.

Requirements:

We seek an outstanding experimental biophysicist with a strong affinity for research at the interface of physics and biology and with relevant research experience in fields such as membrane, molecular, or cell biophysics or soft matter physics. We are looking for a candidate with a high level of intellectual creativity, genuine interest in fundamental research, who enjoys being part of a collaborative international team and easily communicates with scientists from different disciplines.
Applicants must:

• hold a PhD, or approach its completion, in biophysics or a closely related discipline;
• have experience with biophysics, optical imaging and/or single-molecule techniques, ideally synthetic cells, and molecular biology and protein/lipid biochemistry;
• have excellent written and spoken English skills;
• thrive in an international, ambitious, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment.   

Salary Benefits:

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.

38 hours per week

Mekelweg 2