Postdoctoral researcher for developing microfluidics for research on synthetic cells
Job description
In this project we will use the excellent microfabrication facilities of the Kavli Nanolab to develop the central integrated microfluidics circuitry for laboratory evolution of synthetic cells. We will develop a lab-on-a-chip platform that integrates OLA production of liposomes, trap arrays, local light/heating modules, and selection and sorting routines. Guided by machine learning, we will perform directed evolution experiments where we optimize the synthetic genome that encodes for a biological function such as shape manipulation. Next to all this, the candidate will also do research on entropic segregation of synthetic genomes by testing long labelled DNA molecules in nanofabricated cavities. The project is part of the BaSyC and EVOLF consortia. We search an applicant with experience in microfluidics and a vision for conceptual novel research.
Job requirements
We are looking for outstanding experimentalists that are eager to participate in our research. The group aims at research at the highest international level. Candidates that fit into this environment are invited to apply. Experience in fields such as microfabrication, nanofabrication, biophysics, single-molecule techniques, synthetic cells, and optical imaging is welcomed. We foster diversity and female candidates are particularly invited to apply, since the gender balance recently declined with the departure of quite some female postdocs and students. The postdoctoral position is for 2 year, with likely an extension. Your cover letter and CV may be internally shared with CDlab group members for review.
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.
here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Conditions of employment
- Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
- A job of 32-40 hours per week.
- A salary based on Scale 10 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3546 - €5538 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
- An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
- The 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.
- Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
- Partially paid parental leave
- Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.
, 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 is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
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Application procedure
5 October 2025
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