This project is a four-year theoretical project which will involve theory in the fields of statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics and stochastic processes, programming, as well as close collaboration with experimental colleagues on upcoming coronavirus data. From the theoretical perspective, we want to understand how efficient specific mechanisms are at achieving precise coronavirus packaging and transitions between replication, translation and packaging. This part of the project will involve both simulations (we will likely require simulations for polymers or lattice gas models) as well as analytic calculations. From the biological perspective, we want to model and understand the temporal dynamics of the early infection and packaging. This project will be pursued in collaboration with experimental colleagues and will be part of the NWO-XL consortium Sars-CoV-2.

You have a degree in physics, mathematics, nano-biology or a related natural science discipline, with a strong interest in theory as well as biophysics. You are excited about biophysics and on processes on the molecular level; you like programming as well as some analytic calculations and enjoy statistical physics or soft matter. You enjoy working collaboratively, both within in this new theory research group, the Bionanoscience theory sector and the experimental collaborators from the NWO-XL consortium. Good communication skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 years.

We offer an appointment as PhD student for a period of 1.5 year, which will be extended with a second term of 2.5 years if the candidate performs well. Remuneration will be according to the PhD scales set by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), and will range from € 2.541 per month in the first year to € 3.247 per month in the fourth year (gross amounts, in case of fulltime employment). Applicants should have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the contract. Fulltime is considered to be 38 hours per week.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of 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 Science

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.

Department

The Department of Bionanoscience focuses on the fundamental understanding of biological processes, from the level of single molecules to the full complexity of living cells. This research provides fascinating insight in the molecular mechanisms that lead to cellular function. Furthermore it enables the in vitro bottom-up construction of cellular machinery and it impacts applications ranging from biomolecular diagnostics to novel antibiotics and targeted nanomedicine. The department features a strongly multidisciplinary and international team of scientists, whose research areas include single-molecule biophysics, synthetic biology, as well as (quantitative) cell biology.