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 fluorescence imaging and single-molecule force spectroscopy systems. 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.

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.

We are looking to hire outstanding experimentalists for this exciting ERC-funded collaborative project at the interface of biochemistry and biophysics. We have openings for PhD students or post-doctoral researchers keen to participate in probing different aspects of chromatin replication from a mechanistic perspective. 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.

For a PhD:
TU Delft offers PhD-candidates a 4-year contract, with an official go/no go progress assessment after one year. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2395 per month in the first year to € 3061 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.
The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

For a Postdoc:
Salary (min. € 3389/max. € 4274) 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 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.