Postdoctoral Researcher in IgA-like Antibody Development

About PHARMIgA and Oncode Accelerator

Most therapeutic antibodies currently used to treat disease are based on the IgG antibody. While highly effective in the bloodstream, IgG antibodies are often less effective at mucosal surfaces such as the lungs and gastrointestinal tract. These tissues are central to major unmet medical needs, including respiratory infections, inflammatory diseases, and several forms of cancer.

In contrast, IgA antibodies are naturally abundant at mucosal surfaces, where they play a key role in immune defense. IgA can efficiently neutralize pathogens and engage immune cells through mechanisms distinct from IgG. Despite their therapeutic potential, very few IgA-based therapeutics have reached the clinic. Development remains technically challenging due to complex production processes, limited scalable manufacturing methods, and the lack of standardized models and infrastructure.

PHARMIgA was established to address these challenges by bringing together expertise, technologies, and facilities within a single collaborative network. Rather than focusing on one specific therapeutic candidate, the consortium aims to develop a comprehensive platform and toolbox that will accelerate the discovery, production, and translation of IgA-based therapeutics.

The consortium combines expertise from Utrecht University and University Medical Center Utrecht, in collaboration with Sanquin and PD-Value, as well as partners across the Utrecht Science Park and industrial collaborators from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and nutrition sectors.

Oncode Accelerator
The current process to develop cancer therapies is expensive, time-consuming and high-risk. More importantly, newly developed therapies are often only effective in a small group of the intended patient population.

The medical, financial, and societal burden of the disease is growing, and so is the demand for effective, safe and personalized treatments. Preclinical development is a crucial step in advancing a new cancer therapy towards clinical application. However, too many of the innovations that make it through the preclinical development process fail in late-stage clinical trials. Therefore, there is a clear need to increase the likelihood of success.

To truly make a difference in the lives of cancer patients, the preclinical development process needs to be revolutionized. Oncode Accelerator is taking on this challenge, driven by a profound commitment to improving patient outcomes. Our novel approach will allow for earlier predictions of cancer therapy effectiveness and safety, leading to a significantly faster process and better patient outcomes.

This postdoctoral position will be a combination of both programs: the development, optimization, and scale-up of IgA antibody production platforms, as well as the work on next-generation antibodies for Oncode Accelerator.

PhD Position Multi-Band Fusion in JCAS

Job description

Next-generation cellular networks – including 6G and future Wi-Fi systems – will not only communicate but also sense their surroundings in a radar-like manner, an emerging paradigm known as Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC). Existing ISAC systems can perform target detection and parameter estimation, such as distance and moving velocity, and even target tracking and recognition.

However, by fully leveraging the ubiquity and spectral agility of communication networks, a finer-grained representation of the environment could be obtained through radio imaging, similar to spaceborne Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems. This would enable applications with significant social and environmental impact in healthcare, remote structural monitoring of buildings or bridges, landslide and flood prevention, among others.

This PhD project focuses on designing radio imaging algorithms exploiting the multiple disjoint frequency bands available in existing and future communication networks, which span from below GHz to millimeter-wave bands. Such frequency diversity will be leveraged as a means to obtain highly informative images of targets of interest, possibly combining physics and signal processing algorithms with deep learning methods to overcome the difficulty of exactly modeling multiband scattering phenomena.

The developed algorithms and methods will be targeted for applications with high societal impact, such as cm- and mm-level human motion sensing and remote environmental monitoring.

From a methodological perspective, the above research challenges will be tackled through a mix of theory, algorithm design, and analysis of experimental data, partly collected by the applicant and partly acquired through external collaborations with top-level research partners in Europe.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth research on multiband integrated imaging and communications systems, staying abreast of the latest advancements and breakthroughs in the field.
• Design multiband radio imaging algorithms for communications systems, based on the integration of standard signal processing and deep learning.
• Analyze radio signal scattering from extended targets across wide frequency ranges.
• Design methods to predict the reflectivity of targets of interest in non-observed regions of space and spectrum.
• Design performance metrics to evaluate joint imaging and communication systems across multiple bands.
• Verify theoretical results and test algorithms on experimental data.
• Contribute to the scientific community's knowledge through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with partner academic institutions and research organizations to stay connected with the latest developments and foster collaborative opportunities.
• Prepare and defend the Ph.D. thesis, which summarizes the results of the research.

The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of the Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar, and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researchers, including highly regarded Professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 Research Facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities.

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in signal processing and wireless systems (telecom, radar)
• Knowledge of electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Interest in experimental research is an advantage.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

TU Delft (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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

PhD Position Unconventional Phased Array Topologies

Job description

Future 6G wireless networks, satellite communications, and advanced radar platforms require antenna systems that simultaneously support wide bandwidths, large scan ranges, low power consumption, and high integration density. Conventional phased arrays face increasing challenges in scalability, efficiency, complexity, and cost, especially at millimeter-wave frequencies.

This PhD project explores unconventional antenna array topologies that combine sparse, clustered, and aperiodic phased-array feeds with lens-based electromagnetic structures. The intended scientific breakthrough is the development and experimental validation of novel hybrid array-lens topologies for next-generation wireless sensing and communication platforms.As a PhD candidate, you will investigate several innovative research directions, including:

• Element-level or subarray-level lens loading for hybrid radiation pattern synthesis.
• Sparse and aperiodic phased-array topologies integrated with electromagnetic lenses.
• Array-fed lens systems, including GRIN and other advanced lens architectures.
• Multifunctional and modular antenna concepts supporting communication and sensing.

While the primary focus is on millimeter-wave systems, concept validation and experimental prototyping at lower frequencies are also within scope. The research includes electromagnetic modeling, antenna synthesis, optimization, prototyping, and experimental validation using advanced measurement facilities and additive manufacturing technologies, including 3D-printing capabilities available through the Microelectronics department.

Microwave Sensing, Signals, and Systems

The Microwave Sensing, Signals and Systems (MS3) group is part of Department of Microelectronics, within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, and Computer Science (EEMCS). MS3 specializes in research and education at the cutting edge of microwave systems, focusing on both fundamental and applied research. Leveraging electromagnetics as a core foundation, MS3’s work spans applications in wireless communications, safety, environmental monitoring, automotive radar and healthcare technologies. As part of MS3, you’ll collaborate within a multidisciplinary team of researcher, including high regarded Professors in microwave and radar technology. MS3 Research Facilities include Europe-leading laboratories with sophisticated radar setups like the PARSAX and MESEWI systems, and state-of-the-art equipment for indoor and outdoor sensing experiments, and antenna measurements. This robust infrastructure enables students and researchers to pioneer solutions for real-world challenges in radar and microwave sensing.

Beyond technical training, MS3 encourages a collaborative research environment, promoting innovation in radar applications while fostering development through access to conferences and professional networking opportunities

Job requirements

• MSc degree in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Microwave Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong background in electromagnetics, antennas, and microwave engineering.
• Knowledge of phased arrays, antenna synthesis, or computational electromagnetics is highly appreciated.
• Experience with electromagnetic simulation tools (such as CST, HFSS, FEKO, or similar).
• Programming experience in MATLAB, Python, or similar environments.
• Interest in experimental prototyping and antenna measurements.
• Experience with additive manufacturing or RF hardware prototyping is a plus.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as in multidisciplinary research teams.

TU Delft (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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

PhD Position Mathematical Statistics

Job description

The goal of this position is to advance the state of the art and develop new theory and methodology for dependence models, in particular copula-based statistical models. Since the 1990s, copulas have become recognized as the main tool to model arbitrary dependence (not necessarily linear) between random variables, with applications in many quantitative fields, including finance and risk management, insurance, hydrology, and health.

This project consists of three main research directions. The first subproject is related with recent developments in the theory of conditional copulas and conditional dependence models. These are models that quantify the influence of a random vector X on the dependence between two random variables Y1 and Y2 of interest – or more. This has applications in particular in finance where some leading financial assets can influence the dependence between other assets. The goal is to recover the structure underlying a set of estimated conditional dependence functions, with a generalization towards conditional U-statistics.

The second subproject is to develop a theory of information geometry for copulas. Information geometry is a field at the interface between probability, statistics and geometry, and aims at getting geometrical information and structure on statistical problems, for example quantifying angles and directions in the space of probability measures – here in the space of copulas.

The third subproject is to integrate discrete random variables into the Pair-Copula Bayesian Networks (PCBNs) and develop structure learning algorithm. PCBNs models allow to decompose one difficult problem (the inference of a multivariate distribution/density) into smaller bivariate problems by using information on conditional independencies. Contrary to classical Gaussian Bayesian networks, the approach here relies on copulas with arbitrary margins.

These three projects are mostly independent and can be done in any order, also depending on the preferences of the successful candidate.

Job requirements

• You hold or will soon complete a MSc degree in Mathematical Statistics or equivalent.
• You have experience with programming in R. Experience with compiled languages such as C++ are a plus.
• You have high-level mathematical skills and are curious to invent new models and theories.
• You are fluent in English, both spoken and written.

TU Delft (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 of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.