Postdoc Physics of Cellular Robustness
Postdoc Physics of Cellular Robustness
==========================================
*Join the Laan Lab at TU Delft to unravel the mesoscale physics of how cells maintain robustness through evolution using live\-cell imaging and modelling.*
Job description
Cells display a remarkable ability to adapt to strong genetic perturbations. In some cases, only a handful of mutations are sufficient to restore cellular function, even after major disruptions. This raises a fundamental question: how do cells reorganize their internal processes to buffer such perturbations and maintain functionality?
Within the ERC Consolidator Grant project PolarRobustness, we investigate the idea that cellular processes are not independent, but physically coupled. These couplings may allow processes to absorb and compensate for disturbances in each other, giving rise to a collective form of robustness. Understanding this requires moving beyond studying a single process in isolation, and instead capturing how multiple processes interact dynamically within the same cell.
In this postdoctoral project, you will in collaboration develop and apply an integrated experimental and theoretical framework to study multiple coupled cellular processes simultaneously. You will combine advanced live\-cell microscopy with inference\-based modeling to quantitatively describe how cells coordinate key processes over time.
You will work closely with an interdisciplinary team to establish a systems\-level understanding of how coupled cellular processes collectively buffer perturbations.
Job requirements
The project will start in September and is embedded in the Laan Lab at the Department of Bionanoscience, Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft. The lab offers a highly collaborative and international environment at the interface of physics and biology.
We are looking for a candidate with strong experience in live\-cell microscopy and a keen interest in combining experiments with quantitative modeling to uncover fundamental principles of cellular organization and robustness. We expect the candidate to be a team\-player, to have an independent and well\-organized work style, to be communicative and creative, and to contribute to our open, interactive, and social lab culture.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
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!
Faculty Applied Sciences
With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum\- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground\-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science \& Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science \& Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Liedewij Laan, via l.laan@tudelft.nl.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 June 2026 upload the following documents:
- CV
- Motivational letter
\#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named \#PolarRobustneess, with project number \#101170048, within program \# Horizon Europe /ERC consolidator Grant
Please note:
- You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
- As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
- Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Salary range: €3546 \- €5538
Hours per week: 38
FTE: 1,0
Submission is possible until: 1 Jun 2026
ID job: 3370
Deze vacature komt van indeed. Originele vacature bekijken ↗