PhD Position Protein Engineering to Design Novel Cell-adhesion Molecules

Excited about protein engineering and cell adhesion molecules? Join us to design modular proteins to control cell adhesion - and uncover fundamental principles underlying cell-cell interactions.

How can we engineer modular but minimal proteins to drive cell-cell communication? In this project, you will design, produce and test novel modular cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) to control interactions between synthetic cells. Drawing inspiration from neuronal CAM families, you will develop a universal platform to insert engineered CAMs into synthetic membranes, enabling programmable attraction, repulsion, and downstream signaling.

You will:

1. Identify minimal interaction domains in modular CAMs and assess their adhesion properties using biophysical and cell-based assays.
2. Reconstitute CAMs in synthetic cell membranes and image their organization using  cryo-EM/cryo-ET.
3. Design cytosolic domains to couple extracellular input intracellular signaling.

You will be embedded in a multidisciplinary environment with state-of-the-art facilities, including advanced mammalian cell culture, high-end light and cryo-electron microscopy infrastructure.

You are enthusiastic about protein engineering, cell adhesion molecules, and bottom-up biology. You enjoy combining structural and cellular approaches to address fundamental biological questions. In this project, you will take the lead in engineering a minimal and modular CAM system for synthetic cells, contributing to EVOLF (Evolving Life from Non-Life) - a large, highly collaborative Dutch consortium aiming to create living (synthetic) cells from lifeless molecules.

The Meijer lab is an international, multidisciplinary team that works at the interface of structural biology, neurobiology, and synthetic biology. We recently solved several cryo-EM structures of synaptic CAMs, revealing elements of a molecular recognition code. Building on this foundation, this project aims to design a modular CAM toolkit for sensing and communication in synthetic cells. You will use a combination of protein biochemistry and biophysics, cryo-EM, and mammalian cell-based assays.

We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious PhD candidate with a strong interest in protein engineering and cell-cell adhesion.

• You hold (or are about to obtain) a M.Sc. Degree in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field. Expertise in protein expression, purification and biochemical characterization is essential.
• Familiarity with structural techniques as cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography is a strong advantage.
• You are enthousiastic, goal-oriented, enjoy working in a multidisciplinary and collaborative research environment, and fluent in English.
• You are eager to learn new techniques and contribute to an exciting, evolving field.

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.

here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

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 € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 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.

Coming to Delft ServiceDual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

12 June 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded).
• Detailed CV.
• Names and email addresses of 3 references.