PhD Smart Mapping of Module Function and Robustness to Facilitate Integration in Synthetic Cells

Join a cutting-edge research team and vibrant consortium, to build technology that will facilitate module integration in synthetic cells.

Job description
One of the big challenges in building synthetic cells is integrating functional modules that have been build in isolation.Therefore you will develop and use a high-throughput method to (1) study how varying stoichiometry and concentrations of individual proteins in the module affect module function and robustness, as can happen during integration, using a regulatory module, as a test case. (2) use the set-up to help other research groups within the EVOLF consortium (see below) integrate the modules they have build. The setup combines microfluidics, light microscopy, and AI for real-time analysis, optimizing input concentrations on-the-fly. By mapping the effects of protein concentrations, the system will identify regimes of robustness and sensitivity. You will combine experimental observations with theoretical models to uncover emergent properties and to find design rules on how to incorporate robustness in increasingly complex systems.

You have an engineering mindset and like to help others using the set-up that you will develope. You will be part of the Laan Lab, and work closely together with the experimental groups of Kristin Grussmayer (high speeds microscopy and AI) and Cees Dekker (microfluidics) both at the TU Delft, who are all part of EVOLF. EVOLF (evolving life from non-life) is a large, highly collaborative, national consortium, with 31 research groups that together study if, and how, we can create living cells (synthetic cells) from lifeless molecules. You will combine your experimental findings with computer simulations in collaboration with the group of Jos Zwanikken at TU Delft.

Requirements
We are looking for an experimentalist, with a background in (bio)physics or engineering, who is eager to build technology that involves microfluidics, wetlab work, microscopy, AI and software development and has an interest in synthetic biology. We are a highly collaborative research group that likes to work on challenging and ambitious problems, that typically combine experimental and computational work. We expect the candidate to be a team-player, to have an independent and well-organized work style, to be communicative and creative, and to contribute to our open, interactive, and social lab culture.

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.

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.

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 information about this vacancy, you can contact Liedewij Laan, l.laan@tudelft.nl. You can find more information about our lab on our website: www.tudelft.nl/laanlab.     

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 November 2024 via the application button and upload:

• A motivation letter that describes why you apply for this position, your research interests, and your fit to the group.
• A detailed CV.
• Names and email addresses of at least 3 references.

Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is received.

Please note:

• 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)
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

38 hours per week

Mekelweg 5