Phd position developing a smart, high-resolution 3d microscopy platform to evolve synthetic cells

Interested in advanced microscopy and AI-based image analysis? Curious about interdisciplinary, bottom-up biophysics research? We are looking for you!

Smart, high-resolution microscopy platforms play a key role in information-efficient high-throughput imaging to enable biological discovery. This project will focus on developing strategies for fast, quantitative, 3D multimodal imaging combined with real-time machine learning for identification and tracking of synthetic cell phenotypes. Coupled with microfluidics for controlled transport and sorting of cells, this platform will provide the central technology to evolve synthetic cell modules.

This project is part of the EVOLF (evolving life from non-life) consortium, in which we work together with 31 research groups to study if and how we can create living cells from lifeless molecules. In this experimental project, we will collaborate closely with other experimental and machine learning groups both inside and outside the department. We will first focus on establishing the techniques, followed by using them to evolve different parts of synthetic cells with others.

The position is in the group of Dr. Kristin Grussmayer in the Department of Bionanoscience in close collaboration with Cees Dekker and other EVOLF partners. We are an experimental biophysics lab employing super-resolution imaging techniques and fast 3D microscopy to improve understanding of cellular structures at the nanometer scale. As a recently started research group, we offer an interactive, supportive and collegial environment. We perform multidisciplinary research where we combine techniques from molecular/cell biology, (physical/bio) chemistry, (bio)physics and optics. To ensure interactions and exchange of ideas, we have regular group and department meetings as well as meetings with the experimental groups we collaborate with.

We seek an outstanding (bio)physicist with a strong affinity for research at the interface of physics, computer science and biology and with relevant research experience in fields such as optics/microscopy, programming, machine learning, molecular, or cell biophysics. We are looking for a candidate with a high level of intellectual creativity, genuine interest in fundamental research, who enjoys collaborations and easily communicates with scientists from different disciplines.

Applicants must

• Hold a Master's degree, or approach its completion, in physics, mathematics, nanobiology, chemistry, or a closely related discipline
• Have excellent written and spoken English skills
• Thrive in an international, ambitious, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment
• Affinity with (3D/super-resolution) microscopy, Python and quantitative data analysis pipelines and machine learning is a plus

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.

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!

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.

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.

and about EVOLF .

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than

• Detailed CV
• Motivational letter that briefly describes why you apply for this position, your research interests, and your fit to the group and EVOLF
• Names and email addresses of at least 2 references, and why they are competent to assess you

Please note:

• 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.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.