JOB DESCRIPTION

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.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

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 (see below)
• 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.

Please refer the Job description for details