PhD on Molecular Data Storage

Do you want to use biology to develop novel technologies for data storage?

Department(s)

Biomedical Engineering

Reference number

V50.5292

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is seeking a bright PhD candidate to develop DNA-based data storage systems based on the encapsulation of DNA files inside semipermeable microcapsules. Work in this area is expected to deliver new technologies for archival data storage. The PhD is part of the ERC Consolidator grant “Autonomous Computing Artificial Cells” (AMIGA) and you will work with other PhD students and post-docs on this topic.

The successful candidate should be excited about applying biological design principles to develop new technologies in the area of molecular biosensing and molecular data storage. Doctoral research will be part of wider and exciting efforts currently spearheaded within the Synthetic Biology group led by prof. Tom de Greef.

We are accepting applications from enthusiastic and highly talented candidates who are interested in a dynamic, stimulating, and ambitious environment to perform their research. We are looking for candidates that meet the following requirements:

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Chemical Biology, Synthetic Biology or Organic Chemistry.
• Prior experience with next-generation sequencing is a plus.
• Prior experience with computer-based quantification/analysis tools (Matlab or similar).
• A research-oriented attitude with an analytical mindset.
• Ability to independently work within a dynamic team and to foster collaborations.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.

The position will be based at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands. Doctoral research will be performed within the Synthetic Biology group in the Department of Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of prof. Tom de Greef. Our research is directed at the bottom-up construction of basic cellular functions from well-characterized biological components, and the development of novel biological computing devices that can enhance signal-processing capabilities of natural and synthetic cells.

• A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your work at international conferences.
• A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months.
• The start date would ideally be 1 February 2022, but is slightly flexible.
• To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• You will be part of the TU/e graduate School.
• To support you during your PhD and to prepare you for the rest of your career, you will make a Training and Supervision plan and you will have free access to a personal development program for PhD students (PROOF program ).
• A gross monthly salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• Additionally, an annual holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the annual salary.
• Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of the so-called ‘30% facility’, which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
• 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.

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact
prof. Tom de Greef, Associate Professor, t.f.a.d.greef[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 5409.

Additional information on the department you can find here .

For information about terms of employment, click here or contact Sascha Sanchez, HR advisor, s.j.m.g.sanchez.van.oort[at]tue.nl or +31 40 247 7310.

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.
• Brief description of your MSc thesis.
• Academic transcripts

We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it.

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

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