PhD Position Acoustofluidic single-molecule Nanosystems

Acoustofluidic single-molecule nanosystems

We are inviting applications for a PhD position at the interface of Biophysics and Nanotechnology.

In this ERC funded project you will develop a next-generation nanomechanical platform based on sound wave technology to control the transport of single biomolecules in space and time for molecular diagnostic applications. By combining acoustic tweezers and fluorescence microscopy, you will have the opportunity to 1) simulate, design and fabricate layered resonators with optical access; 2) perform correlative acoustophoretic transport and single-molecule imaging; 3) integrate the acoustic nanodevice in a nanopore platform for biosensing experiments. This project is based at the Precision and Microsystems Engineering Department at TU Delft, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (cleanroom, chemistry lab, nanopore lab, optics lab) and equipment to initiate this new line of research. You will be joining a highly interdisciplinary research group with expertise in 2D material nanodevices, scanning acoustic force microscopy, single-molecule imaging and DNA nanotechnology. Hence, working together and communicating with researchers across different fields is an integral part of this position.

We are looking for candidates that meet the following criteria:

• MSc degree in (Bio)Physics, Nanoscience, Materials Science or Engineering
• Experience with micro- or nano-fluidics, acoustics or single-molecule techniques is highly desirable
• Creative, open-minded and proactive
• Excellent experimental and analytical skills
• Ability to be part of a team and work independently
• Fluency in English (spoken and written). 

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements .

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2541 per month in the first year to € 3247 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts 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.

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 3mE faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems.

3mE 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 3mE’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, Maritime and Materials 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. Sabina Caneva,  [email protected] .  

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply by 20 May 2023 via the application button and upload: 

- a cover letter explaining your motivation to apply for this PhD project in our group
- your CV,
- your MSc. thesis,
- academic transcripts,
- the names and contact details of three references.

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

The available position will be filled as soon as possible (i.e. once a suitable candidate is found). This means that the selection of candidates will already start before the application deadline.

Please note:
- 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.