A 3-year postdoc position is available 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. We are now aiming to understand molecular recognition and synapse formation in a cellular context using a combination of protein biochemistry & biophysics, structural biology, and mammalian cell biology approaches.

The successful applicant will be the driver of a new project concerning 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, growing team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions. See also our group website www.dimphnameijerlab.org.

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented postdoctoral researcher with a Ph.D. degree in structural biology, single molecular biophysics, or related field. The ideal candidate has a strong background in structural biology and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryoe-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

Fixed-term contract: 3 years.

We offer an appointment as a postdoc for a period of 3 years. Remuneration will be according to the scales set by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU), and will range from € 2.960,- per month to € 4.670,- per month (gross amounts, in case of fulltime employment). Applicants should have the right to work in the Netherlands for the duration of the contract. Fulltime is considered to be 38 hours per week.

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 and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Department

Faculty of 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.

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Department Bionanoscience

The Department of Bionanoscience focuses on the fundamental understanding of biological processes, from the level of single molecules to the full complexity of living cells. This research provides fascinating insight in the molecular mechanisms that lead to cellular function. Furthermore it enables the in vitro bottom-up construction of cellular machinery and it impacts applications ranging from biomolecular diagnostics to novel antibiotics and targeted nanomedicine. The department features a strongly multidisciplinary and international team of scientists, whose research areas include single-molecule biophysics, synthetic biology, as well as (quantitative) cell biology.