Postdoctoral researcher Super-Resolution microscopy imaging

Are you fan of super-resolution microscopy? Are you interested in imaging, (computer-aided) protein engineering, ice crystal growth, and biomineralization? Are you passionate about science and keen to interact with others?

Position

(Post-doctoral) Researcher

Department(s)

Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

Reference number

V37.5120

Crystallization of water into ice is lethal to most organisms and detrimental to many soft materials. Freeze-avoidant fish living in polar seas evolved to tackle this problem with an unusual coping strategy. They produce ‘antifreeze’ proteins that block the growth of embryonic ice crystals within a narrow temperature range known as the ‘thermal hysteresis gap’ enabling survival under extreme conditions. In this project you will use super-resolution microscopy tools to reveal ice-binding at the single molecule level and better understand how novel biosynthetic protein-polymers inhibit ice recrystallization and control ice nucleation. You will work in close collaboration with other group members (ERC CoG grant PROTECT, Freezing Hearts), who design and prepare bio-inspired macromolecular antifreezes and use super-resolution imaging to measure their impact on cardiomyocyte preservation. Our aim is to unravel how biosynthetic ice-binders work and to better understand the functionality of these biomimetic antifreezes to customize these for biomedical applications.

• PhD in biophysics. Experience with quantitative microscopy, (computer-aided) protein engineering, and protein biophysics; knowledge of crystallization and microfluidics is preferred.
• Ability to conduct high quality academic research, demonstrated by an outstanding PhD thesis and publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Strong motivation to do excellent, original, fundamental research.
• Excellent mastering of the English language, good communication and leadership skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.
• Independent and goal-oriented scientist. Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for 1+2 years.
• You will have free access to high-quality training programs for research, valorization and  professional development
• A gross monthly salary and benefits in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• A broad package of fringe benefits (including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving expenses, and savings schemes).
• Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.

For further information on this vacancy please contact
Prof. Dr. Ir. Ilja Voets, i.voets[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 5303

For information about terms of employment, please click here  or contact Leo van Houten, l.v.houten[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 8269

Please visit www.tue.nl/jobs to find out more about working at TU/e!

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.
• A letter of recommendation from one or more of your references.
• List of five self-selected ‘best publications’.

We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in a different way.

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We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening will continue until the position has been filled.