Postdoc Position: Synthetic Motile Systems for Disruption of Biofilms

Join the SynMoBio Project at Radboud University

The Systems Chemistry Department at Radboud University is excited to announce an opportunity for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join the ERC-funded SynMoBio project. This highly interdisciplinary research programme focuses on the development of synthetic motile systems with cilia- and flagella-like movement, based on supramolecular assemblies with controlled shape, size, and morphology.

These bioinspired systems are designed to move, sense, and adapt in biological environments, enabling breakthroughs in active delivery, sensing, and environmental regulation at the cellular and systemic levels. As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will investigate the collective behaviour of these motile systems, their chemical communication, and their potential for targeted disease treatment, such as biofilm disruption and bacterial clearance. You will develop enzyme engineered nanomotors from biocompatible and biodegradable self-assembled materials for the targeted disruption of biofilms (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) combining principles of microbiology, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology, study their dynamic interactions with cells and biological systems, and contribute to advancing the field of autonomous synthetic systems for nanomedicine.

This role is ideal for ambitious postdoctoral researchers aiming to establish themselves as future leaders in academia. You will work on pioneering biofilm research and nanomotor development, leveraging the synergy of microbiology and systems chemistry to tackle one of the most pressing challenges in infection management.

Your key responsibilities:

• Develop, optimise, and validate enzymatic and protein-engineered nanomotors for biofilm disruption.
• Explore biofilm dynamics and Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenesis under various physiological conditions.
• Investigate mechanisms of biofilm disruption through nanomotors.
• Actively contribute to the preparation of high-impact research papers and grant proposals.
• Mentor junior researchers and students, enhancing your leadership profile.

Profile

• You have recently obtained a PhD in microbiology, chemical biology, bioengineering, supramolecular chemistry, or a related field.
• You have expertise in bacterial pathogenesis, biofilm formation and antimicrobial strategies, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and related infectious models.
• You have strong analytical skills and experience with microscopy, spectroscopy, or motility studies.
• Experience with enzyme-functionalised systems, enzyme kinetics or bioinspired active matter for bacterial interaction studies is a plus.
• You have demonstrated the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research, ideally involving nanotechnology or synthetic biology.
• You have a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
• You are highly motivated, independent and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary, international environment.
• You have excellent communication and scientific writing skills and are proficient in English.

We are

The SynMoBio ERC project is a pioneering research programme integrating polymer chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and nanotechnology to engineer autonomous motile systems for biomedical applications. You will be embedded in the Systems Chemistry Department at Radboud University, surrounded by a diverse and collaborative team working at the interface of chemistry, materials science, and nanomedicine.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation. We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of one year with the possibility to extend.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

"At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university." Prof. D.A. Wilson (Daniela)

daniela.wilson [at] ru.nl