Postdoc Understanding and Improving Robustness of Yeast in an Industrial Process

Postdoc Understanding and Improving Robustness of Yeast in an Industrial Process: Join TU Delft to uncover the biology of cellular robustness in an industrial yeast process and translate your discoveries into innovative genome engineering strategies.

Role details

• Faculty: Faculty of Applied Sciences
• Salary range: €3706 - €5760
• FTE: 1,0
• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Flexible working week.

Job description

You will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment within the Industrial Microbiology section of the Department of Biotechnology at TU Delft. The section brings together six principal investigators and a diverse international team of postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates and technicians with complementary expertise in modelling, molecular biology, genomics, microbial physiology, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. This multidisciplinary environment provides excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and collaboration.

This project, co-supervised by professors Jack Pronk and Jean-Marc Daran, is conducted in close collaboration with a leading biotechnology company. It focuses on understanding the molecular basis of a key robustness trait in a yeast-based production process that is already deployed at industrial scale. This unique setting offers an excellent opportunity to address fundamental questions in microbial physiology while working on a challenge of direct relevance to industrial biotechnology.

The successful candidate will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying robustness in industrial yeast strains and translate this knowledge into rational strategies for strain improvement. The project will combine cell biology, genome editing and quantitative physiological studies in laboratory bioreactors.

The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental and applied research, to benefit from close interactions with experts across multiple disciplines, and to contribute to innovations that can have a tangible impact on sustainable biomanufacturing.

Job requirements

We welcome applications from candidates who:

• have completed a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as molecular biology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology or cell biology;
• enjoy experimental research and have hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetics and/or genome engineering;
• have demonstrated creativity and independence in experimental research and are keen to develop and implement innovative methodologies
• appreciate the value of close interaction with an industrial partner and are motivated by research with real-world impact;
• have excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• contribute to a respectful, inclusive, collaborative and ambitious research environment.

Conditions of employment

• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• 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.

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.

Please note:

• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest.