Innovation is crucial to fulfil the potential of industrial biotechnology for sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials, food and feed. Similarly, scientific and technological advances in environmental biotechnology are needed to enable novel approaches to water purification, and ‘waste-to-product’ processes, thus contributing to a circular economy. Increased fundamental knowledge encompassing enzymes, microorganisms and processes is essential for progress in this field. The Department of Biotechnology covers this research area and, based on new insights, selects, designs and tests new bio-based catalysts, micro-organisms, and processes.

Within the Department of Biotechnology, the Industrial Microbiology (IMB) Section aims to understand the performance of micro-organisms in industrial processes, ranging from brewing to production of advanced biofuels. Building on a deep insight in the physiology and genomics of industrial micro-organisms, the IMB Section uses high-throughput strain improvement, laboratory evolution, synthetic biology and metabolic modelling approaches to improve existing microbial processes and to design and implement novel functionalities in industrial microbes, and build and characterise new synthetic microbial consortia. The research of the IMB section is fundamental and application inspired, and embedded in a dense network of collaborations with biotech companies and leading academic groups in the Netherlands and abroad. The Section has a state-of-the art infrastructure for controlled bioreactor cultivation, molecular genetics/synthetic biology, single-cell techniques (including FACS and fluorescence microscopy) and genomics (Illumina and Nanopore sequencing).

To strengthen the section IMB, we are looking for a new tenure-track assistant professor. Based on quantitative microbial physiology studies, typically performed in bioreactors, she/he will develop new metabolic engineering strategies. Emphasis will be on development of platform (‘chassis’) strains for efficient, robust and sustainable microbial production of biochemicals, biofuels, pharmaceuticals and/or food products from renewable resources (including biomass, syngas, CO2, CO2-derived organics, etc.). We encourage applications from motivated young scientists who ideally should combine experience in quantitative physiology, molecular/synthetic biology and microbial genomics. Our team, which has a strong track record in yeast research, is expanding its research to other pro- and eukaryotic microorganisms and defined microbial consortia. A candidate should have a clear vision on how, in this context, to develop their own research lines in microbial biotechnology. Our new colleague should be motivated to collaborate with other research groups in the Department of Biotechnology, groups elsewhere on the TU Delft campus and internationally leading academic and industrial researchers.

We expect our new colleague to enthusiastically teach and develop courses in the BSc and MSc programmes Life Science and Technology (LST) and/or other relevant programmes on campus. In addition, you will supervise BSc, MSc, EngD, and PhD students during their research projects.

Successful applicants can expect a competitive start-up package for their research program, which they should further expand by attracting external research funding. Support staff and more experienced colleagues are available at TU Delft to help tenure-track assistant professors in building and strengthening their own research programs, to provide administrative support, and act as mentor in discussions on scientific and personal development.

A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Metabolic Engineering, Industrial Biotechnology or related fields.

- Relevant post-doctoral experience.

- an MSc in Life Science and Technology or equivalent programme that integrates (process) engineering with modern life sciences.

- hands-on experience with controlled cultivation techniques, quantitative physiology molecular/synthetic biology and microbial genomics.

- strong affinity with/drive for teaching.

- knowledge of the Dutch language or the ability to acquire rapidly sufficient Dutch language skills to teach 1st year BSc courses. Excellent English language skills.

- affinity with research at the interface of academia and industry, and with working in multidisciplinary teams.

- ambition and ability to develop world-leading research lines.

- ambition and ability to acquire funding, both via competitive individual grants, public-private partnerships and direct industrial funding.

Fixed-term contract: 1 jaar.

TU Delft tenure-track conditions apply.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/about-tu-delft/working-at-tu-delft/tenure-track

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.

Afdeling

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 position is in the Department of Biotechnology (www.bt.tudelft.nl), which engages in internationally-leading education programmes, and which offers a stimulating environment in the biosciences, combining fundamental research, engineering, and design, all directed towards biotechnological process innovations. The Department covers the areas of biocatalysis, bioprocess engineering, environmental biotechnology, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology and society. The Department shares a state-of-the-art building, which the Bionanoscience and Chemical Engineering departments. Working in such close proximity facilitates inter-departmental collaborations on multidisciplinary projects.