Join us - we look forward to welcoming you to our Self-Organizing Soft Matter Research Group at Eindhoven University of Technology!

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for quantitative microscopy and physical chemistry of self-assembling materials to join our team to image the behavior of ice-interactive biomaterials on ice with single-molecule resolution. The goal of your project is to develop and use state-of-the-art microscopy tools and quantitative image analysis approaches to discover the physical principles underpinning the activity of novel ice-interactive biomaterials and to tune their interaction with ice to modulate activity as desired.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality, curiosity-driven, original, and independent research focusing on quantitative imaging and super-resolution microscopy of self-assembling materials
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary and international team of researchers
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in top-tier scientific journals
• Mentor and support junior researchers in the lab

The formation and growth of ice during freezing, storage, and/or thawing of cryopreserved materials limits the potential of cryopreservation technology for the long-term storage of sensitive materials, such as cells, tissues, and organs. Our group aims to unravel how biological and engineered ice-interactive materials function so that we can create customized chemical cryoprotectants for biomedical and other applications. Recently, we reported sub-zero super-resolution microscopy experiments which allowed us to study for the first time the interfacial dynamics of ice-bound ice-binding proteins at the single molecule level (see PNAS publication for more information). In this project you will build upon these pioneering experiments. You will image the interaction with ice of a novel class of engineered ice-interactive materials at the single molecule level to advance our understanding of how their structure and properties impact their ability to modulate ice crystal formation and growth. In this exciting role, you will work in a vibrant and international research group aiming to advance molecular insight into the working mechanism of novel ice-interactive materials for biomedical applications.

• PhD in Bionanoscience, (Bio)physical Chemistry, (Bio)physics, Molecular (Life) Sciences, or related area, obtained within the last four years
• Passionate about microscopy and soft matter science, physical chemistry, (bio)physics
• Strong qualifications and expertise in advanced optical microscopy; e.g. quantitative fluorescence and/or super-resolution microscopy
• Strong qualifications and expertise in quantitative imaging analysis for single-molecule (bio)physics
• Excellent programming (e.g. Python, Matlab) and data analysis skills for processing and interpreting experimental data (e.g. single molecule tracks)
• Familiarity with crystallization, microfluidics, AI-accelerated data analysis, and/or cryobiology
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated by an outstanding PhD thesis, publications in reputable scientific journals, and presentations at international meetings
• Strong motivation to do excellent, original, fundamental research.
• Proficiency in the English language, excellent written and oral communication and leadership skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
• Independent and goal-oriented scientist. Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context.

• A dynamic and stimulating research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
• Collaborative opportunities with leading experts in the field
• A full-time employment for 1 year, with a possibility of an extension for maximum 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3.226,- max. € 5.090,-).
• Free access to opportunities for professional growth and career development through training programs for research, valorization, and  professional development
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.