Innovation is crucial to fulfil the potential of industrial biotechnology for sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials, food and feed. Similarly, scientific and technological advances in environmental biotechnology are needed to enable novel approaches to water purification, and ‘waste-to-product’ processes, thus contributing to a circular economy. Increased fundamental knowledge encompassing enzymes, microorganisms and processes is essential for progress in this field. The Department of Biotechnology covers this research area and, based on new insights, selects, designs and tests new bio-based catalysts, micro-organisms, and processes.

Within the Department of Biotechnology, the Environmental Biotechnology section aims to contribute to technological innovations and process development by conducting fundamental research on microbial ecology to understand competitive strategies and interspecies dependencies in microbial ecosystems. Research in the Environmental Biotechnology section is based on microbial enrichment culturing and integration of quantitative physiology with molecular techniques (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) and modelling approaches.

We are looking for a new tenure-track assistant professor in Environmental Microbiology to complement the current team. This new colleague will develop and apply leading edge research on microbial ecophysiology and/or metagenomics. The research will complement and strengthen the experimental and modelling expertise in the Environmental Biotechnology section. In addition, the new colleague will be encouraged to engage in collaborations with other research groups in the Department of Biotechnology Biotechnology Department and elsewhere on campus. We encourage applications from outstanding young scientists working in any area of microbial ecology, including (but not limited to), metagenomics, bioinformatics, cultivation techniques, metabolomics. A candidate should have a clear vision on how to develop new research lines in microbial ecology and a wish to work together with relevant industries or utilities.

We expect our new colleague to enthusiastically teach and develop courses in the BSc and MSc programmes Life Science and Technology (LST) and/or other relevant programmes on campus. In addition, you will supervise BSc, MSc, EngD, and PhD students during their research projects.

Successful applicants can expect a competitive start-up package for their research program, which they should further expand by attracting external research funding. Support staff and more experienced colleagues are available at TU Delft to help tenure-track assistant professors in building and strengthening their own research programs, to provide administrative support, and act as mentor in discussions on scientific and personal development. 

- A Ph.D. in Microbiology, Microbial Ecology, Genomics, Environmental Biotechnology or related fields.

- Relevant post-doctoral research experience.

- A passion and strong drive for education and coaching of students and early career scientists.

- A vision on how to develop a new, independent and world-leading research line that is complementary to current research in the department.

- Ambition and ability to acquire funding.

- Full professional proficiency in English, and knowledge of the Dutch language or the ability to acquire Dutch language skills to teach 1st year BSc courses.

Fixed-term contract: 1 jaar.

TU Delft tenure-track conditions apply.

https://www.tudelft.nl/en/about-tu-delft/working-at-tu-delft/tenure-track

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!

Afdeling

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.

The position is in the Department of Biotechnology (www.bt.tudelft.nl), which engages in internationally-leading education programmes, and which offers a stimulating environment in the biosciences, combining fundamental research, engineering, and design, all directed towards biotechnological process innovations. The Department covers the areas of biocatalysis, bioprocess engineering, environmental biotechnology, industrial microbiology, and biotechnology and society. The Department shares a state-of-the-art building, which the Bionanoscience and Chemical Engineering departments. Working in such close proximity facilitates inter-departmental collaborations on multidisciplinary projects.  

Click here to go to the website of the Department of Biotechnology.