In recent years, it has become possible to reconstitute the activity of eukaryotic replisome in biochemical experiments, including on chromatin substrates. Here, you will take on the exciting challenge of understanding the dynamics of chromatin replication by studying this key biological process at the single-molecule level. This includes examining the advance of the replisome in the face of nucleosomes, and the transfer and loading of nucleosomes onto the daughter strands by histone chaperones, among other topics. To do this, you will utilise our high-throughput fluorescence imaging and single-molecule force spectroscopy systems that are capable of acquiring large datasets under a variety of different conditions. You will be involved in the purification and labelling of proteins as necessary. You will analyse resulting datasets using biophysical modelling, and discuss extensively with collaborators in the Diffley Lab (Francis Crick institute) in the areas of molecular biology and biochemistry.   

We are looking to hire outstanding experimentalists for this exciting ERC-funded collaborative project at the interface of biochemistry and biophysics. We are looking for several prospective PhD students and post-doctoral researchers keen to participate in different aspects of this project that is aimed at understanding the mechanistic aspects of chromatin replication. As a researcher on this project, you will be responsible for planning and carrying out experiments and for analysing data. You will be expected to contribute to the interpretation of biophysical experiments on the basis of detailed analysis, to acquire an in-depth knowledge of the background literature, and to integrate the results of your data with those of ongoing molecular biology and biochemistry experiments in the field. A strong background in biophysics or biochemistry is a necessity. A good command of spoken and written English is a must. 

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills. Please visit www.tudelft.nl/phd for more information.

For more information about this position please contact Lab Manager Dr. Belen Solano Hermosilla, phone: +31 (0)15-2786489, e-mail: b.p.solanohermosilla@tudelft.nl.

Applications should include a letter of application, a detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references. Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please send the application by email to Lab Manager Dr. Belen Solano Hermosilla, e-mail: b.p.solanohermosilla@tudelft.nl. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWBN18-049.    

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

The Department of Bionanoscience (www.bn.tudelft.nl) focuses on research at the interface between nanoscience, synthetic biology, and cell biology. It studies single cells in all their complexity down to the molecular level, from both fundamental scientific and application points of view. This vibrant department operates as part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Faculty of Applied Sciences and occupies a leading international position.

The Nynke Dekker Lab is a highly successful single-molecule biophysics research lab within the Department of Bionanoscience at the TU Delft. Our lab focuses its studies on understanding DNA and RNA replication both in vitro and in vivo. We quantitatively characterize replication processes individually and in the cellular environment. To do so, we employ cutting-edge techniques including advanced single-molecule fluorescence, magnetic and optical tweezers, and microfluidics. Studying the dynamics of molecular processes at the single-molecule level requires broad expertise; as such, our lab is composed of a multidisciplinary team of international scientists with training in biophysics, biochemistry, or cell biology. You will be part of this group and will interact actively with current members.  

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences