With transmission electron cryo-microscopes, the structure of proteins in their cellular context can be revealed almost at atomic detail. However, most applications are currently focused only on purified proteins or on highly abundant protein complexes in situ. The problem is that for cellular samples, the target proteins need to be contained precisely in a 100-200 nm thin slice cut out of the ~1000 µm3 cellular volume using a focused ion beam while these proteins themselves are invisible. To address this challenge, within a large international consortium and together with our spin-off partner Delmic, we are developing a novel cryogenic microscope that integrates photon, electron, and ion beams. With fluorescence light microscopy, the target proteins will be visualized and tracked while the sample is moved into position for focused ion beam milling. We aim to determine the 3D position of target proteins with high enough accuracy to mill the 100-200 nm slice containing precisely these proteins.
To strengthen our project team, we are now looking for a postdoctoral candidate. You will work on the interface between engineering and biological applications in both the Hoogenboom lab at the Imaging Physics department and the Jakobi lab at the Bionanoscience department. A PhD candidate has already started on the project and a first prototype of the integrated fluorescence-electron-ion beam microscope is currently being tested. Your main focus will be on the implementation of 3D fluorescence localization in the cryo-microscope and/or its application in targeted FIB milling of lamellae in cryo-frozen materials, and their further analysis with electron cryo-microscopy. You will further collaborate with the industrial project team and PhD students and Postdocs in both the Hoogenboom and Jakobi labs. As a postdoctoral candidate, we further expect you to take a supervising role on the scientific part of this project.

Department
The Faculty of Applied Sciences of TU Delft has a strong program in Imaging Physics in which new instrumentation and new methods are developed for microscopy and medical imaging. The Imaging Physics program has led to innovations in electron microscopy, lithography, light microscopy, ultrasound imaging, terahertz imaging, focused ion beam milling, plus many quantitative image processing methods. Most of the instruments in the lab are prototypes with unique functionalities. Instrumentation development is done in collaboration with scientific and industrial users for evaluation and first scientific observations.
The position is a collaboration with the department of Bionanoscience, which houses two electron cryo-microscopes and facilities for cryogenic sample preparation. The department also has access to the microscopes at NeCEN, the Netherlands Center for Electron Nanoscopy.

As a successful candidate you hold a PhD in physics, applied physics, biophysics, biomedical engineering, or similar. Experience in either the development or implementation of (cryo-) superresolution fluorescence microscopy and/or FIB milling on cryo-frozen materials is strongly preferred. You have a hands-on mentality, shown ability to work in a strongly multi-disciplinary and international environment, and you have an affinity to work with, and improve, new technology. You have an excellent command of the English language and can easily and effectively communicate with academic and industrial collaborators alike.

Fixed-term contract: 28 months.

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.

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. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers both in business and in a social context. TU Delft offers 16 Bachelor’s and 32 Master’s programmes to more than 23,000 students. Our scientific staff consists of 3,500 staff members and 2,800 PhD candidates. 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.