Postdoctoral researcher Imaging ice-interactive biomaterials

Position (Post-doctoral) Researcher

Irène Curie Fellowship No

Department(s) Chemical Engineering and Chemistry

FTE 1,0

Date off 30/06/2024

Reference number V37.7556

Job description

Join us – we look forward to welcoming you to our Self-Organizing Soft Matter Research Group at Eindhoven University of Technology!

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher with a passion for quantitative microscopy and physical chemistry of self-assembling materials to join our team to image the behavior of ice-interactive biomaterials on ice with single-molecule resolution. The goal of your project is to develop and use state-of-the-art microscopy tools and quantitative image analysis approaches to discover the physical principles underpinning the activity of novel ice-interactive biomaterials and to tune their interaction with ice to modulate activity as desired.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality, curiosity-driven, original, and independent research focusing on quantitative imaging and super-resolution microscopy of self-assembling materials
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary and international team of researchers
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in top-tier scientific journals
• Mentor and support junior researchers in the lab

The formation and growth of ice during freezing, storage, and/or thawing of cryopreserved materials limits the potential of cryopreservation technology for the long-term storage of sensitive materials, such as cells, tissues, and organs. Our group aims to unravel how biological and engineered ice-interactive materials function so that we can create customized chemical cryoprotectants for biomedical and other applications. Recently, we reported sub-zero super-resolution microscopy experiments which allowed us to study for the first time the interfacial dynamics of ice-bound ice-binding proteins at the single molecule level (see PNAS publication for more information). In this project you will build upon these pioneering experiments. You will image the interaction with ice of a novel class of engineered ice-interactive materials at the single molecule level to advance our understanding of how their structure and properties impact their ability to modulate ice crystal formation and growth. In this exciting role, you will work in a vibrant and international research group aiming to advance molecular insight into the working mechanism of novel ice-interactive materials for biomedical applications.

Job requirements

• PhD in Bionanoscience, (Bio)physical Chemistry, (Bio)physics, Molecular (Life) Sciences, or related area, obtained within the last four years
• Passionate about microscopy and soft matter science, physical chemistry, (bio)physics
• Strong qualifications and expertise in advanced optical microscopy; e.g. quantitative fluorescence and/or super-resolution microscopy
• Strong qualifications and expertise in quantitative imaging analysis for single-molecule (bio)physics
• Excellent programming (e.g. Python, Matlab) and data analysis skills for processing and interpreting experimental data (e.g. single molecule tracks)
• Familiarity with crystallization, microfluidics, AI-accelerated data analysis, and/or cryobiology
• Ability to conduct high-quality academic research, demonstrated by an outstanding PhD thesis, publications in reputable scientific journals, and presentations at international meetings
• Strong motivation to do excellent, original, fundamental research.
• Proficiency in the English language, excellent written and oral 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.

Conditions of employment

• A dynamic and stimulating research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art equipment and facilities
• Collaborative opportunities with leading experts in the field
• A full-time employment for 1 year, with a possibility of an extension for maximum 2 years.
• Salary in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale 10 (min. € 3.226,- max. € 5.090,-).
• Free access to opportunities for professional growth and career development through 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.

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) is one of Europe's leading research universities.
The Eindhoven area, in the southern part of the Netherlands, is one of Europe's top 'innovation ecosystems', with many high-tech companies and institutes. TU/e is intertwined with many of these companies and institutes, and research at TU/e is characterized by a combination of academic excellence, industrial relevance and societal interweaving.

Eindhoven University of Technology is a community of scientists, supporting staff, students and partners. People are the heart and soul of TU/e, so it is of great importance to safeguard the distinctive Eindhoven atmosphere, creating a personal, welcoming and vibrant environment that enables individuals and groups to grow professionally and personally.

The department Chemical Engineering and Chemistry is one of the nine departments of Eindhoven University of Technology. It was established in 1957, shortly after the university was founded. The department is located in the Helix and Matrix buildings on the TU/e campus. The candidate will closely collaborate with researchers within the departments of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, all of which are located on the TU/e campus at walking distance.

More information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? For further information on this vacancy please contact prof. dr.ir. Ilja Voets, i.voets@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5303.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact Leo van Houten, l.v.houten@tue.nl or +31 40 247 8269.

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

Application

Join our team and take the next step in your research career. If you have a passion for innovation and a drive to push the boundaries of science, we would love to hear from you. Please 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.
• List of five self-selected ‘key publications’ with a brief motivation of your contribution to each of these.

Screening of applications will continue until the position has been filled.

Don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on pioneering research in the field of ice-interactive biomaterials!