We are inviting applications for a postdoc position in bionanophotonics at TU Delft in the group of Dr Sabina Caneva.

Single-molecule platforms based on 2D materials are emerging as novel tools for low-cost, high-resolution and high-throughput detection of biomolecule mechanics and dynamics. On one hand, they can enable important discoveries in biomolecular function at the single-molecule level and, on the other hand, they show great promise for applications in molecular diagnostics. In this interdisciplinary project you will combine cutting-edge nanofabrication techniques, 2D materials optoelectronics, and fluorescence imaging to innovate single-molecule detection platforms. You will have the opportunity to develop new fundamental insights into light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for application in next-generation protein fingerprinting.

This position is funded by the ERC StG project SIMPHONICS. You will be based in the Precision and Microsystems Engineering Department at TU Delft, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment to develop this line of research in a vibrant and interdisciplinary team of physicists, materials scientists, engineers and biochemists.

We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:

• PhD degree in Physics, Biophysics, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Engineering or similar.
• A strong background in at least one of the following topics: 1) single-molecule microscopy/spectroscopy (e.g. smFRET), 2) DNA nanotechnology, 3) 2D material nanofabrication/nanophotonics.
• Experience in building optical setups is a plus.
• Creative, open-minded and proactive researcher.
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills.
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently.
• Fluency in English (spoken and written).

Fixed-term contract: 1.5 years.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Mechanical Engineering

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.