Scientific Programmer

We seek to hire a professional scientific programmer to drive forward exciting ERC- and NWO-funded collaborative projects at the interface of innovative microscopy and biophysics that seek to understand the actions of biological molecular machines.

What are you going to do?

In this centrally important function for our group, you will:

• Be embedded in a communicative, interdisciplinary research group
• Be able to conceptually understand biophysical instrumentation and data
• Design and spearhead the development of next-generation software to improve biophysical instrumentation
• Develop and implement solutions to analyze biophysical data
• (Co-)author publications
• Develop your leadership skills while supporting and guiding group members
• Develop your teaching skills by supervising (under-)graduate students 

About the role of the scientific programmer

We strongly believe that the quality of advances in biophysics relies on a basis of outstanding scientific programming. To this effect, in the Nynke Dekker lab (https://nynkedekkerlab.tudelft.nl) we develop our own software to control experiments and perform state-of-the-art image processing and data analysis. As the scientific programmer, you will be the key person in our interdisciplinary research group driving this forward. This position requires a mix of scientific, technical, and interpersonal skills. You will actively participate in quantitative physics-based problem-solving and implementation of software solutions as well as provide expert advice in data analysis to the members of the team. The position (which can be either part-time or full-time) is offered as a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.

Applicants should have the following qualifications:

• A background in (computational) physics or another exact science at an academic level
• A background in software engineering
• Aptitude for understanding and analysing scientific concepts
• Excellent knowledge of Python or closely related programming language (e.g. C++)
• 1-2 years of professional experience in software development in a team setting
• Experience with version control distribution software like Git
• Knowledge of concepts in digital image processing and analysis
• Knowledge of ImageJ or willingness to learn it
• Familiarity with hardware interfacing or willingness to learn it
• Interest in absorbing the basics of quantitative biophysics and biology
• Good scientific communication skills
• Ability to communicate in a multidisciplinary environment ranging from physics and biophysics to biology
• Proven ability to run a project and keep it on track.
• Professional proficiency in English
• EU work permit
• A PhD degree is a plus but not a formal requirement. 
• Only candidates from EU countries or with a Dutch work permit can be considered for this vacancy (due to Dutch regulations).

The 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 child care 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.

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!

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.

The vibrant and highly ranked Department of Bionanoscience focuses on research at the interface between nanoscience, synthetic biology, and cell biology. It studies single cells in all their complexity down to the molecular level, from both fundamental scientific and application points of view.

The Department operates as part of the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at the Faculty of Applied Sciences and occupies a leading international position.

The highly successful Nynke Dekker lab encompasses approximately fifteen outstanding scientists that utilizes high-end microscopy and data analysis to understand the biophysics of molecular machines. You will be part of this group and interact intensively with current members.

For more information about this position, please contact research manager Dr. Belén Solano Hermosilla, B.P.SolanoHermosilla-1@tudelft.nl. To apply, please upload a detailed CV and the names and contact information of three references along with a letter of application. Applications will be evaluated on a first-come, first-served basis, with the final deadline for applications being 1 February 2023.