Postdoc Researcher for Developing Microfluidics for Research on Synthetic Cells

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.

about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Professor Cees Dekker, via C.Dekker@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 October 2025 upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Professor Cees Dekker.

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.