Single-molecule biophysics at 2D material interfaces

Job description
We are inviting applications for a postdoc position in bionanophotonics at TU Delft in the group of Dr Sabina Caneva.

Single-molecule platforms based on 2D materials are emerging as novel tools for low-cost, high-resolution and high-throughput detection of biomolecule mechanics and dynamics. On one hand, they can enable important discoveries in biomolecular function at the single-molecule level and, on the other hand, they show great promise for applications in molecular diagnostics. In this interdisciplinary project you will combine cutting-edge nanofabrication techniques, 2D materials nanomechanics and nanophotonics, and fluorescence imaging to innovate single-molecule detection platforms. You will have the opportunity to develop new fundamental insights into light-matter interactions at the nanoscale for application in next-generation protein fingerprinting.

This position is funded by the ERC StG project SIMPHONICS. You will be based in the Precision and Microsystems Engineering Department at TU Delft, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, labs and equipment to develop this line of research in a vibrant and interdisciplinary team of physicists, materials scientists, engineers and biochemists.

Job requirements
We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:

• PhD degree in Physics, Biophysics, Nanoscience, Materials Science, Engineering or similar.
• Experience with at least one or more of the following topics: 1) single-molecule fluorescence (previous knowledge on smFRET is highly desirable), 2) 2D material nanofabrication, 3) nanopore measurements.
• Creative, open-minded and proactive researcher.
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills.
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently.
• Fluency in English (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 Mechanical Engineering
From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 1,5 years.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Sabina Caneva, via S.Caneva@tudelft.nl or .

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 Nov 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for this postdoc project in our group.
• Your CV.
• A first author publication from your PhD.
• The names and contact details of three references.

You can address your application to Sabina Caneva.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.