PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse

Job description

A 4-year position is available for a PhD candidate in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the underlying structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, we take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly: we will reconstitute minimal, well-controlled synaptic contacts and subject them to detailed structural characterization using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy methods.

Specific objectives are:

• Setting up cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for reconstituted synapses
• Visualize nanoscale architecture of reconstituted synapses
• High-resolution structure determination of synaptic CAM pairs
• Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons

The successful applicant will be the driver of the project and aim for detailed structural characterization of synapse assembly with a bottom-up approach. State-of-the-art equipment, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture facilities are available in our department.

We are an international team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions.

Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher that is willing to take on new challenges. The candidate has a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or related field. The ideal applicant has experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a strong plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse

Job description

A 4-year position is available for a PhD candidate in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the underlying structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, we take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly: we will reconstitute minimal, well-controlled synaptic contacts and subject them to detailed structural characterization using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy methods.

Specific objectives are:

• Setting up cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for reconstituted synapses
• Visualize nanoscale architecture of reconstituted synapses
• High-resolution structure determination of synaptic CAM pairs
• Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons

The successful applicant will be the driver of the project and aim for detailed structural characterization of synapse assembly with a bottom-up approach. State-of-the-art equipment, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture facilities are available in our department.

We are an international team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions.

Job requirements
We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher that is willing to take on new challenges. The candidate has a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or related field. The ideal applicant has experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a strong plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

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 Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 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 educate innovative 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.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

PhD Positions in Human-Centered Wearable System Design and Smart Textile

Job description

The Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) at TU Delft invites applications for two fully funded, 4-year PhD positions within the European Defence Fund (EDF) project HARVEST, which aims to create a lightweight, wearable energy system for users by integrating renewable energy harvesting, advanced electronics, and smart-textile technologies.

As PhD candidates, you will join a multidisciplinary European consortium and contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of wearable energy systems. Your research will take place at the intersection of design, technology, and human–system integration, and will contribute directly to the next generation of soldier system capabilities.

Both PhD candidates will be embedded in the Department of Sustainable Design Engineering (SDE) at IDE.

Your Role

You will work independently and collaboratively on research tasks including (but not limited to):

• Investigating user needs and operational contexts of soldier-worn systems.
• Developing the system architecture based on technical and human-centered requirements.
• Conducting experiments and evaluations related to usability, comfort, integration, and system performance.
• Collaborating closely with European partners and contributing to project deliverables.
• Publishing research outcomes in journals and conferences and contributing to project-wide demonstrations.

Each PhD focuses on a different domain. Applicants may apply to one or both positions.

Job Requirements
Profile A – Comfort Wearable System Design (PhD 1)

PhD1 will work on the system architecture and comfort aspects of integrating energy-harvesting modules into soldier-worn garments, examining how requirements, design, ergonomics, and human–system interaction shape comfort, usability, and mission performance. We are looking for candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a related design discipline.
• Interest in comfort, wearables, soldier task analysis, and human–system performance.
• Affinity with system architecture, co-design methods, and user-centred design.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative user research, such as interviews, contextual inquiry, observations, questionnaires, and objective measurements for comfort studies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments.

Profile B – Smart Textiles (PhD 2)

PhD2 will work on the development, testing and integration of energy harvesting systems on and near a soldier. We are looking for candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Electronical or Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics Product Development, or a related field.
• Interest in combining electronics with human-centered design in wearable systems.
• Ability to work with prototyping tools, electronics design, and materials integration.
• Experience with embedded electronics, sensors/actuators, or e-textile integration.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments.

Application Information

When applying, please clearly indicate whether you are applying for PhD 1 (Comfort Wearable System Design), PhD 2 (Smart Textiles), or both. Applications without this indication may not be considered.

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 Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.

PhD Positions in Human-Centered Wearable System Design and Smart Textile

Job description

The Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE) at TU Delft invites applications for two fully funded, 4-year PhD positions within the European Defence Fund (EDF) project HARVEST, which aims to create a lightweight, wearable energy system for users by integrating renewable energy harvesting, advanced electronics, and smart-textile technologies.

As PhD candidates, you will join a multidisciplinary European consortium and contribute to the design, development, and evaluation of wearable energy systems. Your research will take place at the intersection of design, technology, and human–system integration, and will contribute directly to the next generation of soldier system capabilities.

Both PhD candidates will be embedded in the Department of Sustainable Design Engineering (SDE) at IDE.

Your Role

You will work independently and collaboratively on research tasks including (but not limited to):

• Investigating user needs and operational contexts of soldier-worn systems.
• Developing the system architecture based on technical and human-centered requirements.
• Conducting experiments and evaluations related to usability, comfort, integration, and system performance.
• Collaborating closely with European partners and contributing to project deliverables.
• Publishing research outcomes in journals and conferences and contributing to project-wide demonstrations.

Each PhD focuses on a different domain. Applicants may apply to one or both positions.

Job Requirements
Profile A – Comfort Wearable System Design (PhD 1)

PhD1 will work on the system architecture and comfort aspects of integrating energy-harvesting modules into soldier-worn garments, examining how requirements, design, ergonomics, and human–system interaction shape comfort, usability, and mission performance. We are looking for candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a related design discipline.
• Interest in comfort, wearables, soldier task analysis, and human–system performance.
• Affinity with system architecture, co-design methods, and user-centred design.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative user research, such as interviews, contextual inquiry, observations, questionnaires, and objective measurements for comfort studies.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments.

Profile B – Smart Textiles (PhD 2)

PhD2 will work on the development, testing and integration of energy harvesting systems on and near a soldier. We are looking for candidates with:

• A Master’s degree in Industrial Design Engineering, Electronical or Mechatronics Engineering, Electronics Product Development, or a related field.
• Interest in combining electronics with human-centered design in wearable systems.
• Ability to work with prototyping tools, electronics design, and materials integration.
• Experience with embedded electronics, sensors/actuators, or e-textile integration.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate in multidisciplinary environments.

Application Information

When applying, please clearly indicate whether you are applying for PhD 1 (Comfort Wearable System Design), PhD 2 (Smart Textiles), or both. Applications without this indication may not be considered.

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 Industrial Design Engineering
Matching the evolution of people with the speed of the revolution of technology. This is the focus of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering (IDE). Delft designers act as a bridge between advances in technology and the needs of people, organisations and society to create products, services and systems with purpose.IDE is a leader in design research across the application areas of mobility, sustainability and health, as well as its development of design tools and methods. A 350-strong research team and over 2,000 students work together in our inspiring hall, labs and studios.In close cooperation with industry, the public sector and NGOs we rehearse possible futures in research and education to design for a complex future.Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering.

Subsidie Adviseur

Functieomschrijving

Als er iemand op de hoogte is van wat we bij de TU Delft allemaal voor mooie en interessante dingen doen, ben jij het straks wel. Sterker nog: jij speelt hierin een sleutelrol. Als subsidieadviseur help je onderzoekers om hun projecten te financieren met subsidies van met name NWO. Je primaire aandachtsgebied is het NWO-Talentprogramma voor persoonlijke beurzen aan excellente wetenschappers.

Wat de vraag ook is, jij biedt de juiste ondersteuning om de kans op toekenning van de aanvraag zo groot mogelijk te maken. De ene dag lees je mee met een voorstel dat een onderzoeker heeft opgesteld en beoordeel je of het kansrijk is. De andere dag geef je een groep wetenschappers voorlichting over een Veni- of Vidi-beurs.

Daarnaast ben je indien nodig ook inzetbaar voor advies op andere financieringsprogramma’s, zoals de Open Competitie van NWO of een Europese beurs, zoals Marie Curie Slodowska Actions.

Je werkt nauw samen met 20 adviseurs in de teams nationale en Europese funding en hebt ook contact met collega’s die ondersteuning bieden bij vragen over bijvoorbeeld IP, contracten en kennisveiligheid. Allemaal deskundige collega’s, van wie sommigen al jaren in het vak zitten en die kwaliteit hoog in het vaandel hebben staan.

De beide teams bieden ondersteuning voor alle faculteiten van de TU Delft en aan onderzoekers in alle fases van hun loopbaan. Je gaat als subsidieadviseur dus aan de slag met aanvragen op alle onderzoeksterreinen van TU Delft: AI, robotica, klimaat, quantumtechnologie, ethiek van techniek en nog veel meer. Heb je een voorkeur voor bepaalde thema’s? Of specifieke ontwikkelwensen? Dan houden we daar zoveel mogelijk rekening mee bij het verdelen van het werk.

We werken zowel individueel als in teamverband en verwachten dat ook van de nieuwe collega. Je kunt goed omgaan met deadlines en piekmomenten die subsidietrajecten soms met zich meebrengen en stelt daarin de juiste prioriteiten. Het dynamische nationale financieringslandschap is volop in beweging en kan flexibele inzet van jou vragen.

Het team nationale funding is ingebed in het Innovation and impact Centre van de TU Delft, waar zo’n 160 collega’s onderzoekers ondersteunen bij het opzetten van samenwerkingen tussen bedrijfsleven, overheden en kennisinstellingen.

Functie-eisen

• Je hebt wo-niveau en affiniteit met de academische wereld.
• Je hebt relevante ervaring met onderzoeksprojecten, bijvoorbeeld als projectmanager, subsidieadviseur of ondersteuner.
• Je hebt goede communicatieve vaardigheden in het Nederlands en Engels en schakelt makkelijk met (internationale) topwetenschappers en met subsidieorganisaties.
• Je hebt een kritische blik, geeft graag feedback en staat daar zelf ook voor open.
• Je maakt je de essentie van technisch-wetenschappelijke onderzoeks- en projectideeën snel eigen. 

TU Delft
De Technische Universiteit Delft heeft een sterk fundament. Als bouwer van de wereldberoemde Nederlandse waterwerken en pionier in biotech is TU Delft een internationale topuniversiteit die wetenschap, engineering en design combineert. TU Delft staat voor onderwijs, onderzoek en innovatie van wereldklasse om uitdagingen op het gebied van energie, klimaat, mobiliteit, gezondheid en digitale maatschappij aan te gaan. Generaties Delftse ingenieurs hebben bewezen ondernemende probleemoplossers te zijn in bedrijfsleven en in sociale context.

Bij TU Delft omarmen we diversiteit als een van onze kernwaarden en zetten we ons actief in om een universiteit te zijn waar jij je thuis voelt en kunt floreren. We hechten veel waarde aan verschillende perspectieven en kwaliteiten, omdat wij geloven dat dit ons werk innovatiever, de TU Delft-gemeenschap levendiger en de wereld rechtvaardiger maakt. Samen bedenken en ontwikkelen we oplossingen die een positieve invloed hebben op wereldwijde schaal. Daarom nodigen we jou uit om te solliciteren. Je sollicitatie krijgt een eerlijke behandeling.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Universiteitsdienst – Directie Innovation & Impact Centre
Je treedt in dienst bij het Innovation & Impact Centre (I&IC) dat verantwoordelijk is voor valorisatie - naast onderwijs en onderzoek de derde kerntaak van de universiteit. Wij zetten ons in om de kennis en technologie die we bij de TU Delft ontwikkelen ten goede te laten komen aan de maatschappij. Het werk bij I&IC is divers en varieert van advisering op het gebied van onderzoeksfinanciering tot het opzetten van grote publiek-private samenwerkingsverbanden. Ook houden we ons bezig met de ontwikkeling van de TU Delft Campus als innovatie-ecosysteem. We stimuleren ondernemerschap, (inter)nationale samenwerking en strategische planvorming op het gebied van innovatie.

Afhankelijk van je profiel kom je werken op het gebied van onderzoeksfinanciering (zowel NL als EU), intellectueel eigendom, public affairs, corporate innovations, campusontwikkeling, projecten of innovation affairs. Het I&IC is gevestigd midden op de TU Delft Campus, het bruisende innovatie-ecosysteem dat naast de universiteit bijna 300 bedrijven, kennisinstellingen, fieldlabs, (pre-)incubators, restaurants en cafés huisvest. Een inspirerende plek waar je je dagelijks omringt met studenten, onderzoekers, ondernemers en andere innovatieve geesten; allemaal gedreven door dezelfde missie: impact for a better society.