Growth control of membrane synthesis

We seek a highly motivated individual to discover how cell growth and stress controls membrane synthesis in bacteria. Cells build and expand their membranes at a pace that is somehow coordinated with growth. How cells synchronize growth with membrane synthesis is one of the oldest and most elusive questions in biology. Although the enzymes that synthesize membranes have long been known in the model bacteria E. coli, how their activities are coordinated with growth is not understood. Our group recently identified the specific phospholipid synthesis enzyme whose activity determines the pace of membrane synthesis in E. coli. Understanding the mechanism by which this enzyme is controlled by cell growth will therefore reveal how cell growth regulates membrane synthesis.

The PhD student will use live-cell fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics, quantitative imaging, metabolic profiling, and metabolic modelling to identify how cell growth and membrane stresses regulate the activity of phospholipid synthesis enzymes. The PhD student will also collaborate with membrane biochemists to directly test hypotheses inspired from in vivo experiments. Visit sites.google.com/bokinskylab for more information.

The candidate should have a Master degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, or a related field. Demonstrated expertise with live-cell fluorescence microscopy and molecular biology is strongly preferred. Expertise in programming languages (particularly Python) is also preferred. Further experience or interest in membrane biology, metabolic regulation, and metabolic modelling is highly desirable but not required. The position is for a set term of four years and is expected to result in a PhD. Good communication skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: 4 jaar.

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.

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.