Postdoc Innovative Microscopy to Probe the Biophysics of DNA Replication

Job description
We are seeking both an exceptional experimentalist and a talented theorist for a challenging and innovative project to design and construct a cutting-edge microscope for single-molecule studies of DNA replication. This project, funded by NWO, is a collaborative effort between experts in innovative microscopy, biophysics, and theoretical modeling.

What are you going to do?

In these fully funded projects, you will be embedded in a communicative interdisciplinary team formed through a collaboration between two research groups at TU Delft. As an experimentalist, you will build on our expertise in optical design and single-molecule instrumentation to design and construct a novel microscope that integrates imaging and force spectroscopy (magnetic tweezers). As a theorist, you will develop and apply simulations, biophysical models, and data analysis routines to predict and interpret instrument functionality. Both roles will involve verifying samples using biophysical and biochemical technologies, analyzing datasets using biophysical modeling, collaborating with international experts in the field, publishing high-quality scientific papers, and contributing to the advancement of this exciting area of research. You will also have the opportunity to gain teaching experience and enhance your leadership skills while mentoring students.

About the project

Our goal is to develop and build a state-of-the-art microscope that will enable us to study the dynamics of DNA replication at the single-molecule level. The experimentalist will focus on designing, constructing, and testing the novel microscope, while the theorist will work on computational modeling and data interpretation to understand the activity of the eukaryotic replisome.

The Carlas Smith Lab (https://twitter.com/carlasssmith), internationally recognized for the development of next-generation imaging systems, is located within the Department of Delft Center for Systems and Control (DCSC) at TU Delft. The lab develops next-generation imaging systems by synergistically combining novel hardware and information processing algorithms to achieve unprecedented performance. Here at the convergence of artificial intelligence, optics, mechatronics, and electronics, our diverse and interdisciplinary team at DCSC comprises passionate students and postdocs who strive to transcend the boundaries of imaging and actuation technologies by making the invisible visible.

Job requirements
For this innovative, interdisciplinary, and NWO-funded 3-year project, we are looking for two enthusiastic postdocs, with:

• A completed Ph.D. degree in (bio)physics, quantitative microscopy, interdisciplinary nanosciences, biochemistry, or related areas;
• Practical experience in the above areas and single-molecule experiments and analysis are desired;
• A strong motivation to develop either a quantitative microscopy skillset (optics and microscopy, advanced data analysis and pattern recognition) and interest in interdisciplinary research;
• An independent, well-organized, and reliable work style together with an ability and interest in working in a small team;
• Good interpersonal communication skills and a strong interest in the broader field of biophysics, thereby contributing to our interactive lab culture.

We look for a friendly and driven colleague of all kinds to enrich our team. We would like to welcome the new postdocs as soon as possible.

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 1 x 12 months, 1 x 18 months.
• A job of 38-40 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.

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
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr. Carlas Smith, c.s.smith@tudelft.nl, phone: +31 (0)15-2782411.

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

• A motivated cover letter of application.
• A detailed CV
• The names and contact information of three references.

You can address your application to Carlas Smith.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Giedo Kocken, HR advisor, recruitment-me@tudelft.nl.

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.

38 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 5