In this project you will take on the novel and exciting challenge of understanding eukaryotic replication at the single-molecule level. As an independent and motivated post-doctoral researcher, your foremost responsibility will be towards knowledge creation of processes central to DNA replication, focusing in particular roles of the replicative helicases and the interactions between the three key polymerases. In doing so, you will be expected to master our state-of-the-art single-molecule force spectroscopy and fluorescence imaging systems capable of acquiring large datasets under a variety of different conditions. Your critical thinking will also be encouraged towards bringing in new technical expertise if required for the overall research progress. You will be involved in the purification and labelling of proteins as necessary and will analyse the imaged datasets using advanced image processing and biophysical modelling. You will extensively interact with collaborators in the highly renowned Diffley Lab, located at the Francis Crick institute in London.

We are looking to hire several outstanding experimentalist post-doctoral researchers who would like to build an exciting career with us in interdisciplinary biophysics focused on understanding mechanistic aspects of DNA replication using single-molecule methods. Probing DNA replication will entail quantitative analysis of microscopy data, deep contextual understanding of literature, an ability to employ different and ever-advancing technologies to one’s research question, the personality balance of exhibiting critical thinking while also being a team player, and the combination of long-term foresight and short-term planning. A strong background in quantitative biochemistry, biophysics, or structural biology is a necessity. A good command of spoken and written English is a must.

Fixed-term contract: 2,5 years.

TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount for health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. An International Children’s Centre offers childcare and an international primary school. Dual Career Services offers support to accompanying partners. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.

For more information about this position, or to submit an application, please contact Prof. Dr. Nynke Dekker, phone: +31 (0)15-2783219, e-mail: n.h.dekker@tudelft.nl. Applications should include a letter of application, a detailed CV, and the names and contact information of three references. The deadline for applications is 30 April 2018. When applying for this position, please refer to vacancy number TNWBN18-018. 

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

https://www.tudelft.nl

Faculty Applied Sciences

The Nynke Dekker Lab (https://nynkedekkerlab.tudelft.nl) focuses on developing understanding of the dynamics of fundamental cellular processes, in particular DNA and RNA replication. It does so using single-molecule biophysics approaches that permit quantitative characterization of the behavior of individual enzymes, both in purified form and in the cellular environment. The lab employs and develops cutting-edge single molecule techniques, such as magnetic tweezers, single-molecule (super-resolution) fluorescence, and microfluidics. Because studying DNA and RNA replication using single-molecule techniques requires broad expertise, the lab is composed of a multidisciplinary team of international scientists with backgrounds ranging from biophysics, biochemistry, and cell biology. You will be part of this group and will interact actively with its members in an environment in which focussed scientific research, broad intellectual curiosity and a friendly social environment harmoniously contribute towards knowledge generation and fulfilling careers.

Department of Bionanoscience

The Nynke Dekker Lab is located within the Department of Bionanoscience (https://www.bn.tudelft.nl). This vibrant department is dedicated to research at the interface between biophysics, synthetic biology and cell biology. It focuses on single cells in their full complexity, down to the molecular level, and does so from both fundamental scientific and application perspectives. The department occupies a leading international position and operates as part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Faculty of Applied Sciences (https://www.tudelft.eng/tnw/). The Faculty of Applied Sciences is the largest faculty of TU Delft, with around 550 scientists, a support staff of 250 and 1,800 students. The faculty conducts fundamental, application-oriented research and offers scientific education at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The faculty is active in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Applied Physics.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/faculty-of-applied-sciences