Postdoctoral fellow in single-molecule biophysics

Proteins are the workhorses in all living cells and, as such, form the basis of all living systems. In order to fully understand biological processes, it is critical to be able to identify and quantify the proteins in cells at any given time in the cell cycle. This can be done by sequencing since each protein has a unique amino acid sequence. However, practical realisation of protein sequencing remains an enormous challenge. Small sample size, in which the numbers of specific proteins can differ by orders of magnitude, and the necessity to distinguish 20 different amino acids are only a few of the obstacles currently limiting our ability to sequence proteins. Furthermore, proteins cannot be amplified outside the cell, unlike DNA and RNA, which complicates the sequencing task. The plethora of protein modifications and alternative splicing further increases the complexity of the proteome to several million distinct protein molecules in a cell.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with significant physics or engineering research experience to develop a novel sequencing technique that probes the protein profile using aptamers with sub-nanometre resolution. This high-resolution method, combined with nanotechnology, will be used for analysing proteoforms, particularly, splicing isoforms and post-translational modifications. We will be able to sequence single proteins and their proteoforms and therefore create the opportunity for single-cell proteomics and screening for on-site medical diagnostics. It will lead to a revolution in biophysics, biotechnology, and healthcare. Do you want to join developoing this ground-breaking technology? Send the application package to Chirlmin Joo. 

The candidate should have a PhD degree in the field of physics or engineering. An application from a candidate who is experienced in biochemistry will be favorably treated, but this is not a requirement. Good communication skills in English are required.

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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice  to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 Joo group (www.chirlmin.org) is a single-molecule biophysics research lab within the Department of Bionanoscience at the TU Delft. Using single-molecule fluorescence tools, we develop single-molecule protein sequencers.

Department of Bionanoscience

Around 180 scientists, including full professors, associate professors, lecturers, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral candidates and support staff work within the department. The department is home to a mixed international group. Your colleagues perform innovative fundamental research in the field of biophysics and synthetic and cell biology and also teach nanobiology and applied physics students.

Applied Sciences

The focus of the Applied Sciences faculty is on finding innovative solutions for social problems. In addition to this, the main priority is to develop fundamental knowledge for new technological developments that can be widely used in society. The academic staff have an excellent international reputation in research and education. With around 177 permanent academic members of staff, approximately 400 doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers and around 250 support staff, TNW performs research via seven academic departments in the fields of Life Sciences and Health, Nanosciences, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Sciences and Applied Physics.

For information about this vacancy, you can contact: Chirlmin Joo, the group leader, email: [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 October 2022 via the application button and upload the following: 

• Detailed CV
• Letter of application
• Contact information of two references

Proteins are the workhorses in all living cells and, as such, form the basis of all living systems. In order to fully understand biological processes, it is critical to be able to identify and quantify the proteins in cells at any given time in the cell cycle. This can be done by sequencing since each protein has a unique amino acid sequence. However, practical realisation of protein sequencing remains an enormous challenge. Small sample size, in which the numbers of specific proteins can differ by orders of magnitude, and the necessity to distinguish 20 different amino acids are only a few of the obstacles currently limiting our ability to sequence proteins. Furthermore, proteins cannot be amplified outside the cell, unlike DNA and RNA, which complicates the sequencing task. The plethora of protein modifications and alternative splicing further increases the complexity of the proteome to several million distinct protein molecules in a cell.

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with significant physics or engineering research experience to develop a novel sequencing technique that probes the protein profile using aptamers with sub-nanometre resolution. This high-resolution method, combined with nanotechnology, will be used for analysing proteoforms, particularly, splicing isoforms and post-translational modifications. We will be able to sequence single proteins and their proteoforms and therefore create the opportunity for single-cell proteomics and screening for on-site medical diagnostics. It will lead to a revolution in biophysics, biotechnology, and healthcare. Do you want to join developoing this ground-breaking technology? Send the application package to Chirlmin Joo. 

The candidate should have a PhD degree in the field of physics or engineering. An application from a candidate who is experienced in biochemistry will be favorably treated, but this is not a requirement. Good communication skills in English are required.

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 we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice  to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

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 Joo group (www.chirlmin.org) is a single-molecule biophysics research lab within the Department of Bionanoscience at the TU Delft. Using single-molecule fluorescence tools, we develop single-molecule protein sequencers.

Department of Bionanoscience

Around 180 scientists, including full professors, associate professors, lecturers, post-doctoral researchers, doctoral candidates and support staff work within the department. The department is home to a mixed international group. Your colleagues perform innovative fundamental research in the field of biophysics and synthetic and cell biology and also teach nanobiology and applied physics students.

Applied Sciences

The focus of the Applied Sciences faculty is on finding innovative solutions for social problems. In addition to this, the main priority is to develop fundamental knowledge for new technological developments that can be widely used in society. The academic staff have an excellent international reputation in research and education. With around 177 permanent academic members of staff, approximately 400 doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers and around 250 support staff, TNW performs research via seven academic departments in the fields of Life Sciences and Health, Nanosciences, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Sciences and Applied Physics.

For information about this vacancy, you can contact: Chirlmin Joo, the group leader, email: [email protected]

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply before 15 October 2022 via the application button and upload the following: 

• Detailed CV
• Letter of application
• Contact information of two references