Engineered living materials are hybrid structures composed of biological living cells, which are growing within a non-living matrix. The living cells within the matrix can endow the materials with a range of novel sense-and-respond functionalities.
The aim of this project is to exploit the light response of microalgae to provide responsive properties to a microalgae-based living material. To achieve this, the postdoc will investigate how the microalgae C. reinhardtii grows and moves within a porous hydrogel environment and how it responds to light in the context of such a confined environment. The role of specific proteins involved in mechanosensing and in surface adhesion will be examined by visualizing C. reinhardtii motion with time-lapse microscopy. The insights that we will gain on mechanosensing within a porous structure will enable us to better control the algae’s response by, for example, adjusting conditions affecting mechanosensing proteins or using genetic variants with altered mechanosensation.
With the support of technicians and experts in the research team, the postdoc will identify the characteristics of the cell movement as a function of the environmental conditions, genetic variation, and materials’ parameters. This will enable the rational design of strategies to control the living material response.
Requirements
Qualified candidates have a Ph.D. in either biophysics, cell biology, or a related field. They have a strong interest in multidisciplinary research that combines cell biology, biophysics and material science. Finally, successful candidates are motivated by a deep scientific curiosity, have good experimental and quantitative skills and possess a drive to learn new methods and concepts.
Conditions of employment
Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.
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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.
Challenge. Change. Impact!
Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 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 train 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 and science communicators.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Additional information
Department profile:
Bionanoscience is a multidisciplinary department that is dedicated to the study of fundamental and applied biological questions with cutting-edge tools from biology, physics and nanotechnology. Research topics range from single molecule biophysics and cell biology to synthetic biology and artificial cells. The department offers excellent technical facilities, including an advanced microscopy suite and next-generation sequencing.
Section profile:
The Aubin-Tam group is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research group who specializes in using biophysical and bioengineering approaches to create bio-mimicking and bio-based living materials.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 April 2022 via the application button and upload the following information:
- CV
- Letter of interest
- Grade reports and
- Names of references
PLEASE NOTE: The applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, therefore it is preferable to submit your application as soon as it is ready.
- A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
- Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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