Postdoc Physics and Nonlinear Dynamics of Microswimmers in Confinement

Physics and nonlinear dynamics of microswimmers in confinement.

Microswimmers like motile bacteria operate in a regime of mechanics where fluid viscosity dominates inertia. In this regime, motility enables them to move around, exploit their environment, avoid toxins and locate favourable habitats. It is well-known that flagellum driven microswimmers, follow a swimming pattern that closely resembles random-walk. Yet, it has been found that when these swimmers move close to a rigid surface, they can re-orient their motion and be guided by the boundaries. In this project, we aim at understanding and revealing the new phenomena that can be observed from motion and interaction of microswimmers in confined environments. We will also seek designing micro devices with which we can control their motion. We eventually plan to use the new designs together with the recent developments made at TU Delft on using graphene-based nanomotion technology for fast drug screening.

The vacant position is in the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) group. The group focuses on exploiting dynamics of small-scale systems to create technologies that can lead to new products in the fields of scientific instrumentation, consumer electronics and healthcare. Our research spans from measuring and manipulating materials at the micro and nano scale, to the design of world-class MEMS and NEMS sensors and actuators.

You will be working in an international environment in one of the leading technical universities of Europe, with access to state-of-the art micro-nano testing facilities, bio-safety labs, and advanced numerical modelling tools. You will be contributing to a challenging topic related to a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator grant together with a team of 3 PhD students and 2 postdocs, and with the opportunity to also closely collaborate with a start-up focusing on bringing nanomotion technology to clinical practice.

As a postdoctoral researcher your tasks will include:

• Developing on an existing platform for investigating the motion of microswimmers in confinement
• Coordinating the work of related PhD and MSc projects
• Publishing in renowned journals and presenting your research at international meetings
• Helping with securing funding for the continuation of the research.

Website and References for further reading:
https://www.tudelft.nl/en/2022/3me/news/bacterial-soundtracks-revealed-by-graphene-membrane

Rosłoń, Irek E., et al. "Probing nanomotion of single bacteria with graphene drums." Nature Nanotechnology 17.6 (2022): 637-642.

Rosłon, Ireneusz, et al. "Microwell-enhanced optical rapid antibiotic susceptibility testing of single bacteria." Iscience26.11 (2023).   

We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• PhD university degree in biophysics, micro/nanophysics, mechanical engineering, or a related area,
• A good publication record,
• High motivation for teamwork and good communication skills,
• Prior experimental experience of microswimmers and their motion tracking,
• Experience in nonlinear dynamics or collective dynamics is a plus,
• Experience in fabrication and mechanical characterization of PDMS microsystems is an advantage.      

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (salary indication: € 4.036 - € 5.090 per month gross). 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.

This position is a temporary assignment for 24 months.

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!

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.

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Farbod Alijani ([email protected] ).

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 April 2024 via the application button and upload your motivation letter, CV, and provide names and email addresses of 2 references.

Only selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

For information about the application procedure, please contact Linda Verhaar, HR Advisor ([email protected] ).

Notes:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.

A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.