Assistant Professor in Biophysics of Living Systems

Challenge: Understand how life emerges from molecular interactions.

Change: Combine physics and biology to decode cells at the nanoscale.

Impact: New insights into disease and the fundamentals of life.

Job description

Imagine watching the inner workings of a living cell, where the fundamental laws of physics meet the complexity of life at the nanoscale. The Department of Bionanoscience at Delft University of Technology invites applications for an early career Principal Investigator to help advance understanding of how molecular and cellular interactions give rise to biological function and disease.

The Department of Bionanoscience, part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft, is a world-leading environment for fundamental research at the interface of biology and physics. It is a multidisciplinary and international community of scientists driven by a singular mission: to understand how interactions at the smallest scales give rise to biological function, the onset of disease, and life itself. From observing the dance of single molecules to the bottom-up construction of synthetic cells, the department bridges the gap between physics and the full complexity of living systems, focusing on biological processes from the level of single molecules to the full complexity of living cells.

The department seeks an early career Principal Investigator who has demonstrated excellence in experimental research and thrives on conducting original research with impact, geared to understanding how life works, either at the molecular or cellular level. Applications are encouraged from researchers with a biophysics-oriented perspective or approach.

In this role, you will inspire and convince funding agencies and partners of your vision and research, actively seek collaboration with relevant faculties, universities and external stakeholders, and enjoy mentoring, teaching and interacting with students while continuously developing your academic career. Your research will benefit from in-house facilities including central optical microscopy, cell culture, protein purification, cryo-EM, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, and the Kavli Nanolab Delft cleanroom. Laboratory space is located in a modern building with dedicated lab areas for building and operating sensitive physical instrumentation.

As a Principal Investigator, you will:

• Establish an independent experimental research line that is complementary to current strengths in single-molecule biophysics, synthetic biology, and quantitative cell biology.
• Secure external funding through competitive grants such as NWO Vidi and ERC StG to build and lead a team of PhD students, Postdocs and Technicians.
• Provide excellent education by teaching and developing courses for the BSc and MSc programs in Nanobiology, a program at the interface of biology, physics and math.
• Contribute to a collaborative culture, interacting synergistically with existing research groups and participating in the management of the department and educational programs.

Job requirements

The ideal candidate is a creative experimentalist who thrives on scientific and engineering challenges. You should possess:

• A PhD in a relevant field such as Biophysics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or Bionanotechnology, and relevant post-doctoral experience.
• An outstanding scientific track record, evidenced by high-quality publications.
• A clear vision for a new, independent experimental research line that uses advanced methodology to probe, manipulate or engineer cellular life or its components.
• A passion for education and the ability to inspire students in an international environment.
• The ability to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years.

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world-class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society, and offers an environment where researchers tackle major societal challenges.

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem with more than 1,100 employees, including 150 principal investigators, and about 3,600 students. Focusing on key enabling technologies such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, the faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. Its scientists conduct fundamental and applied research in Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics.

Conditions of employment

This position is offered as an Academic Career Track position (0.8–1.0 FTE). During the Academic Career Track, you are expected to grow towards an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years, for which a position will be available. You will participate in the Academic Career Track Development programme, offering opportunities to develop in Education, Research, Societal Impact & Innovation, and Leadership & Organisation. You will regularly discuss your development and results with senior staff based on a personalized development plan and performance criteria agreed upon at the start of your Academic Career Track.

You will start with a temporary contract that will be converted to a permanent contract no later than 12–18 months after a positive evaluation, based on continuous confidence in your development potential and fit in the organisation.

Inspiring, excellent education is a central aim. You are expected to obtain a University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if you have less than five years of teaching experience. This is provided by the TU Delft UTQ programme as part of the Academic Career Track Development programme.

TU Delft sets high standards for the English competency of the teaching staff and offers training to improve English competency. If you do not speak Dutch, courses are offered to learn the Dutch language within three years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged and you can work partly from home.

If relocation to the Netherlands is required, TU Delft provides support to help make the move as smooth as possible, including guidance related to relocation, housing and schools, as well as support for an accompanying partner through a Dual Career Programme.