PhD on Nanoswitches for Continuous Nucleic Acid Monitoring

Introduction
Nanoswitch sensors that continuously probe complex nucleic acids: that’s your challenge!

Job Description
Nanoswitch sensors are nanometer-scale constructs that change their configuration upon molecular binding and enable the continuous monitoring of biomolecules. In this PhD project, you will explore a novel direction: you will study how nanoswitch sensors can be designed for the continuous monitoring of complex nucleic-acids with dynamic secondary structures, such as virus-like particles and plasmids.

In your PhD project, you will study nanoswitches in a particle-based sensing platform with single-molecule resolution, called Biosensing by Particle Motion. The project includes nanoswitch design, sensor fabrication, sensor testing, and modelling. The longterm goal is to enable multiplexed continuous real-time sensing for applications in advanced bio-manufacturing.

The continuous sensing technologies studied in the Molecular Biosensing group at TU/e (see www.tue.nl/mbx) exploit reversible single-molecule interactions, a concept that is at the forefront of science. The PhD project benefits from ongoing collaborations with research institutes, academic hospitals, and bioprocessing companies. Publications about the BPM sensing technology are listed on https://www.heliabiomonitoring.com/publications.

The research group integrates laboratory-based and computational approaches for advancing sensor technology and bioengineering. Research is done in close collaboration with the Protein Engineering research group (https://merkxlab.nl/) and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (www.tue.nl/icms). The research group initiated and organizes the international competition on Sensors for Health (www.sensus.org) and the international symposium on Continuous Real-time Biomolecular Sensing (https://symposium.sensus.org).

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in engineering sciences and/or analytical sciences, e.g. bioengineering, chemistry, biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Competence to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?

More information about the content of the research can be obtained from Prof. Menno Prins (m.w.j.prins@tue.nl) and Assoc. Prof. Arthur de Jong (a.m.de.jong@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of three references.
• Lists of courses and grades of your BSc and MSc degrees, as originals and as transcripts.
• Pdf copy of your final BSc thesis.
• Pdf copy of your final MSc thesis (if available).

Only complete applications will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

PhD in De Novo Protein Design for Continuous Biosensing

Introduction
How can de novo proteins be designed for enabling continuous biomolecular sensing? That’s your question!

Job Description
Biosensing technologies are being developed for the continuous monitoring of biomolecules in areas such as patient care, advanced biomanufacturing, the monitoring of ecological systems, and fundamental biological research. The heart of the continuous sensors are binder molecules that specifically and reversibly bind to the biomolecules of interest.

In this PhD project, you will explore a novel direction: you will develop and test binder molecules for continuous sensing using de novo protein design strategies. You will develop methodologies to design, make, screen, and test de novo proteins for incorporation in a particle-based continuous sensing platform with single-molecule resolution, called Biosensing by Particle Motion. The long-term goal is to develop a fast and flexible workflow for the rational design of continuous biomolecular sensors for diverse applications.

The project is a collaboration between the Molecular Biosensing and the Protein Engineering research groups at TU/e (see www.tue.nl/mbx and https://merkxlab.nl/). Their fields of expertise on continuous biosensing and protein engineering are at the forefront of science. The PhD project benefits from ongoing collaborations with research institutes and academic hospitals.

The research groups integrate laboratory-based and computational approaches for advancing sensor technology and bioengineering. The research is done in the context of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (www.tue.nl/icms). The groups initiated and organize the international competition on Sensors for Health (www.sensus.org) and the international symposium on Continuous Real-time Biomolecular Sensing (https://sensus.org/symposium).

Job Requirements

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in molecular engineering sciences and/or analytical sciences, e.g. bioengineering, chemistry, biomedical engineering, analytical chemistry.
• A research-oriented attitude.
• Experimental and analytical skills, with interests in biomolecular engineering, biosensors, biochemistry, biophysics.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team and interested in collaborating with industrial partners.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level).

Conditions of Employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station.

In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,204 - max. € 4,051 gross base salary per month (full-time)).
• In addition to your base salary, you will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus, both calculated based on your annual gross base salary.
• Generous leave options: a standard 29 days (based on a 38 hour working week) per year that you can increase to 41 days by working two hours more per week (flexible working hours). This is prorated if you work part-time.
• As a TU/e employee, you participate in the ABP pension scheme, providing retirement pension and pension benefits for surviving dependents and occupational disability. TU/e pays 70% of the pension premium, while employees contribute the remaining 30%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, and on-campus children's day care.
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• We support your wellbeing with free 24/7 access to OpenUp, providing you and your family with mental health support, expert guidance, and online training.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the Expat Scheme) for international candidates.

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us
We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

Information
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?

More information about the content of the research can be obtained from Prof. Maarten Merkx (m.merkx@tue.nl), Prof. Menno Prins (m.w.j.prins@tue.nl), and Assoc. Prof. Arthur de Jong (a.m.de.jong@tue.nl).

Visit our website for more information about the application process.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application
We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including the contact information of three references.
• Lists of courses and grades of your BSc and MSc degrees, as originals and as transcripts.
• Pdf copy of your final BSc thesis.
• Pdf copy of your final MSc thesis (if available).

Only complete applications will be considered. We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Unfortunately, due to the current closure of the Dutch embassy in Tehran, we are unable to consider applications from candidates residing in Iran at this time, as the required immigration procedures cannot be completed. For further information, please visit our FAQ page.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Productie Manager

• Je neemt de operationele leiding over de volledige productieorganisatie en bewaakt planning, capaciteit, kwaliteit, veiligheid, efficiëntie en voortgang.
• Je geeft rechtstreeks leiding aan 3 productiecoördinatoren en de maintenance manager en zorgt voor duidelijke doelstellingen, verantwoordelijkheden en opvolging.
• Je bent dagelijks aanwezig op de werkvloer en houdt nauw voeling met de mensen en productieprocessen.
• Je brengt structuur en duidelijkheid en zorgt ervoor dat afspraken en verantwoordelijkheden consequent worden opgevolgd.
• Je coacht jouw leidinggevenden, geeft duidelijke feedback en stuurt bij wanneer verwachtingen of resultaten niet worden gehaald.
• Je neemt ownership over operationele problemen en verbeterpunten: je analyseert, beslist en zorgt ervoor dat acties daadwerkelijk worden uitgevoerd.
• Je bewaakt de kwaliteit van de productie en de naleving van relevante kwaliteitsnormen, certificeringen, procedures en veiligheidsvoorschriften.
• Samen met de maintenance manager volg je de technische werking en het onderhoud van het machinepark op en denk je mee over technische verbeteringen en investeringen.
• Je identificeert opportuniteiten om processen, efficiëntie en productiviteit verder te verbeteren en vertaalt deze naar concrete acties.
• Je werkt rechtstreeks samen met de bestuurder en bent zijn klankbord voor operationele, technische en organisatorische vraagstukken.
• Je vertaalt de groeiplannen mee naar de productie en denkt vooruit over automatisering, modernisering, investeringen en toekomstige verbouwingen.
• Je zorgt ervoor dat veranderingen niet alleen technisch goed onderbouwd zijn, maar ook werkbaar worden vertaald naar de dagelijkse productie.

Pedagogisch medewerker

MyPlace 2 is een open, intensieve leefgroep voor jongeren van 12 tot 16 jaar met complexe gedragsproblematiek en een beperkt leervermogen. Voor veel jongeren is MyPlace niet zomaar een behandelplek, maar hun thuis voor een langere periode. Hier wonen zij, gaan zij naar school, bouwen zij relaties op en werken zij stap voor stap aan hun toekomst.

Als Pedagogisch Medewerker ben je veel meer dan begeleider. Je bent mentor, opvoeder, coach en rolmodel. Je biedt jongeren een voorspelbare en veilige basis van waaruit zij kunnen groeien. Je werkt vanuit een traumasensitieve en relationeel-pedagogische visie, waarbij je gedrag begrijpt als een vorm van communicatie en altijd blijft zoeken naar wat een jongere nodig heeft.

Je bent aanwezig op de momenten die ertoe doen. Tijdens het ontbijt, na schooltijd, bij een succeservaring, tijdens een moeilijke avond of wanneer een jongere vastloopt. Juist in die alledaagse momenten ontstaat de ruimte om te oefenen met vertrouwen, emotieregulatie, verantwoordelijkheid en sociale vaardigheden.

Concreet betekent dit dat je:

• samen met collega's een veilig, voorspelbaar en positief leefklimaat creëert,
• jongeren helpt bij het ontwikkelen van sociale vaardigheden, zelfvertrouwen en zelfstandigheid,
• signalen herkent van spanning en escalatie en handel je preventief en de-escalerend,
• dagelijkse situaties benut als waardevolle pedagogische momenten,
• activiteiten organiseert en begeleid die bijdragen aan ontwikkeling, verbinding en plezier,
• mentor bent van één of meerdere jongeren en volg je hun ontwikkeling intensief,
• nauw samenwerkt met ouders, onderwijs, gedragswetenschappers, behandelaren en andere betrokken professionals.

De locatie
Park Bergse Bos is een specialistische locatie van iHub voor kinderen en jongeren met complexe ontwikkel-, gedrags- en psychiatrische problematiek. De gesloten jeugdzorg is op Park Bergse Bos afgebouwd. We bouwen verder aan specialistische open vormen van jeugdhulp waarin veiligheid niet wordt gecreëerd door een kind af te sluiten, maar door nabijheid, structuur, deskundigheid en goede samenwerking rondom het kind.

Tegelijkertijd ontwikkelen we Park Bergse Bos verder naar een integrale onderwijs-zorgomgeving waarin jeugdhulp, specialistische GGZ, behandeling en speciaal onderwijs steeds meer vanuit één ontwikkelperspectief samenwerken. Het park biedt bovendien veel mogelijkheden om met kinderen te werken aan ontwikkeling. Er zijn onder andere een gymzaal, speeltuin, skatepark en zwembad. Buiten spelen, sporten, koken of samen iets ondernemen is voor ons niet alleen ontspanning. Juist daar ontstaan waardevolle pedagogische momenten.

Gastvrouw

Als allround gastvrouw zorg je dat alles op rolletjes verloopt en onze locaties er verzorgd uitzien. Je zorgt ervoor dat de gebouwen netjes zijn en je wordt daarmee een bekend gezicht voor de hele locatie. Hierbij zijn de volgende werktijden van belang: 5 dagen van 5 uur (07.00 - 12.00 uur). Je hebt regelmatig contact met de afdelingscoördinatoren over de organisatie van de werkzaamheden.

Concreet betekent dit dat je:

• schoonmaakwerkzaamheden en huishoudelijke taken verricht in de groepsruimten, kamers van de jeugdigen en algemene ruimten op de locatie,
• was- en linnengoed verzorgt,
• zorgt voor het verzamelen en afvoeren van afval en vuil,
• de voorraad beheert aan levensmiddelen en huishoudelijke artikelen
• gebreken signaleert en rapporteert binnen de locatie en/of aan apparatuur.

Locatie
Je werkt binnen Park Bergse Bos, een locatie voor ambulante jeugdhulp en residentiële jeugdzorg en waar kinderen en hun gezinnen met ontwikkelingsproblemen behandeling, begeleiding en onderwijs krijgen.

Je komt terecht in een betrokken en ervaren team met collega’s uit zowel zorg als onderwijs. Iedereen heeft een eigen verantwoordelijkheid, maar collega’s zoeken elkaar graag op.