PostDoc Method Development in cryo-EM/ET Sample Preparation

28 Mar 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

40.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Are you motivated to push the frontiers of molecular imaging enabling us to look even deeper into how life works at the nanoscale? To learn how the machinery of life operates at the molecular scale, we need to understand dynamic structural changes underlying many essential biomolecular processes in the cell. This requires new experimental methods, as current technology only facilitates static imaging. As a Postdoc at TU Delft, you leverage your expertise of biophysics or structural biology to bring about a step change in dynamic imaging of biomolecular processes in reconstituted systems and in cells. You will collaborate with leading scientists and help drive correlative high-resolution imaging at ultrafast timescales.

You will conduct research within the scope of a dedicated TU Delft-Utrecht University consortium, working closely with fellow researchers at the Marileen Dogterom and Anna Akhmanova Labs. The project’s aim is to study microtubule structure and dynamics in vitro and in situ using a combination of cryo-ET and advanced (cryo-)fluorescence microscopy. Drawing on the unique possibilities of MEMS technology, your specific task will be to develop a new high-speed sample preparation method for correlative snapshot imaging of dynamic molecular processes by single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and cryo-ET. This requires designing and implementing optical and precision-mechanical components, prototyping of MEMS supports, and establishing efficient workflows for correlative imaging at ultrafast timescales. Using sophisticated in vitro reconstitution assays, you will apply this method to map and understand structural transitions and stabilisation of microtubule ends.

Your home base will be the Jakobi Lab at TU Delft | Kavli Institute of Nanoscience. We are a multidisciplinary and internationally diverse team of scientists with backgrounds ranging from molecular/cell biology and physics to mechanical engineering. Our drive is to push boundaries in our aim to visualise molecular processes at the highest possible resolution. As part of the Department of Bionanoscience and the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, we enjoy access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for nanofabrication, biochemistry and cell biology, imaging, and high-performance computing. Fostering a friendly, non-hierarchical, and collaborative atmosphere, we support each other by exchanging ideas and knowledge in the pursuit of our ambitious goals. And you will get all the support and training you need for your personal and professional growth.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

• You hold a PhD (or will soon complete) in (bio)physics or a related field. We also welcome applications from candidates with a PhD degree in optics or nanosystems engineering who are motivated to venture into molecular imaging of biological systems.
• You thrive on conducting pioneering research and pushing scientific boundaries, translating ideas into prototypes and physical experiments.
• You have experience or a strong interest in method development geared to molecular imaging of biological systems.
• You preferably have experience of MEMS prototyping and cleanroom processes.
• You have experience, or a keen interest in cryo-EM/ET imaging.
• You harness your communication skills to effectively collaborate with people from different cultural and scientific backgrounds.
• You have a very good command of English because you will be working in an international environment.

Additional Information
Benefits

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, 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.

Selection process

Are you our new PostDoc in Ultrafast Cryo-EM? Upload your motivation letter and CV (including name and address of 2-3 references) no later than 30 April 2024.

Please note:

• Address your application to Arjen Jakobi, Associate Professor. The initial interviews will take place May/June 2024.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

Additional comments

If you would like more information about this role, please contact please contact Dr Arjen Jakobi, Associate Professor, via +31 15 278 9249 or [email protected] .

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339570/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Delft University of Technology

Country

Netherlands

City

Delft

Postal Code

2628 CD

Street

Mekelweg 2

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339570/postdoc-method-development-in-cryo-e…

Contact

City

Delft

Website

http://www.tudelft.nl/

Street

Mekelweg 2

Postal Code

2628 CD

STATUS: EXPIRED