PhD in Imaging ice-interactive biomaterials

Introduction

• Are you captivated by the ingenious ways wood frogs and icefish survive extreme cold?
• Do you want to use advanced microscopy to study how ice-binding biomaterials work?
• Are you passionate about research?
• Do you want to work in a multidisciplinary team?

Job Description

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 natural and synthetic 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 including proteins 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

• A master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree) in (Bio)physical Chemistry, Molecular (Life) Sciences, Bionanotechnology, (Molecular) Biophysics, Molecular Biology, or related discipline.
• Passionate about microscopy and soft matter science, physical chemistry, (bio)physics.
• A solid background in advanced optical microscopy; e.g. quantitative fluorescence and/or super-resolution microscopy.
• A solid background in quantitative imaging analysis and/or single-molecule (bio)physics.
• A solid background in physical chemistry of materials, soft matter science, and/or (bio)physics.
• Excellent programming (e.g. Python, Matlab) and data analysis skills for processing and interpreting experimental data (e.g. single molecule tracks).
• Experience with cryo-TEM, crystallization, microfluidics, AI-accelerated data analysis, and/or cryobiology is preferred.
• A research and goal-oriented attitude.
• Independent and goal-oriented researcher. Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context.
• Motivated to develop your teaching skills and coach students.
• Fluent in spoken and written English (C1 level). Excellent written and oral communication skills. Note that there is no Dutch language requirement.

Conditions of Employment

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you: 

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate assessment after nine months. You will spend a minimum of 10% of your four-year employment on teaching tasks, with a maximum of 15% per year of your employment. 
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. € 3,059 - max. € 3,881).  
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%. 
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process. 
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.  
• Unlimited access to the modern on‑campus TU/e Student Sports Center at an exceptionally affordable rate.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs. 
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates. 

On our website you can discover even more information about our conditions of employment. Build on your career at TU/e!

About us

We are a leading international university where scientific curiosity meets a hands-on mindset. We work in an open and collaborative way with high-tech industries to tackle complex societal challenges. Our responsible and respectful approach ensures impact — today and in the future. TU/e is home to over 13,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, forming a diverse and vibrant academic community.

Our university is located in Brainport Eindhoven — a world‑leading tech region with more than 7,000 high‑tech companies and strong R&D activity. Known for breakthroughs in AI, photonics, semiconductors and advanced manufacturing, Brainport is a place where technology serves people and society. Learn more about the Brainport region here.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry focusses on solving societal challenges in health, sustainable energy and circularity using expertise in molecules, materials and chemical processes. We collaborate with academia and industry to enlarge our chain of knowledge. Our top-notch research is internationally renowned and facilitated by a state-of-the-art research infrastructure. High-quality education and research, strong collaboration, independence of researchers and talent development are our core values.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more? Please contact the hiring manager Prof. Dr. Ir. Ilja Voets, i.voets@tue.nl or +31 40 247 5303.

Visit our website for more information about the application process. You can also contact Marjolein von Reth, HR advice, m.w.v.reth@tue.nl.

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button. The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, with information on education, employment, and research experience including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references. Kindly note that we may reach out to references at any stage of the recruitment process. We recommend notifying your references upon submitting your application.
• A copy of your MSc graduation thesis or internship report.

Ensure that you submit all the requested application documents. We give priority to complete applications.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.

Please note

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening (e.g. knowledge security check) can be part of the selection procedure. For more information on the knowledge security check, please consult the National Knowledge Security Guidelines.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.