Postdoc Physics of Cellular Robustness

Join the Laan Lab at TU Delft to unravel the mesoscale physics of how cells maintain robustness through evolution using live-cell imaging and modelling.

Cells display a remarkable ability to adapt to strong genetic perturbations. In some cases, only a handful of mutations are sufficient to restore cellular function, even after major disruptions. This raises a fundamental question: how do cells reorganize their internal processes to buffer such perturbations and maintain functionality?

Within the ERC Consolidator Grant project PolarRobustness, we investigate the idea that cellular processes are not independent, but physically coupled. These couplings may allow processes to absorb and compensate for disturbances in each other, giving rise to a collective form of robustness. Understanding this requires moving beyond studying a single process in isolation, and instead capturing how multiple processes interact dynamically within the same cell.

In this postdoctoral project, you will in collaboration develop and apply an integrated experimental and theoretical framework to study multiple coupled cellular processes simultaneously. You will combine advanced live-cell microscopy with inference‑based modeling to quantitatively describe how cells coordinate key processes over time.

You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to establish a systems‑level understanding of how coupled cellular processes collectively buffer perturbations.

The project will start in September and is embedded in the Laan Lab at the Department of Bionanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft. The lab offers a highly collaborative and international environment at the interface of physics and biology.

We are looking for a candidate with strong experience in live‑cell microscopy and a keen interest in combining experiments with quantitative modeling to uncover fundamental principles of cellular organization and robustness. 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.

• Duration of contract is 1 years. Temporary.
• Job of 38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• Possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

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.