Interested in ultrafast single-molecule super-resolution bioimaging, novel sensors and image analysis? Curious about interdisciplinary biophysics research? We are looking for you!
Job description
Super-resolution and single-molecule microscopy play a crucial role in understanding nanoscale organization in cells. However, there is a detrimental trade-off between resolution and imaging speed, and super-resolution microscopy excels only in fixed, lifeless cells.
Neuromorphic vision sensors “see” at the molecular level when something is moving or changing - like the human eye. By recording logarithmic intensity changes per pixel (events) asynchronously instead of conventional camera frames, they are extremely fast, data efficient and have a wide dynamic range.
The candidate will investigate these high-speed event-based cameras and integrate them for next-level stochastic single-molecule microscopy in (living) cells. The work includes responsibility for a microscope setup and integration of the cameras into data acquisition workflows as well as development of corresponding new data analysis strategies. Experiments with controlled in vitro samples and live cells are facilitated by an established toolbox of advanced labeling in the lab and available cell culture/cell biology technician support.
The position is in the group of Dr. Kristin Grussmayer in the Department of Bionanoscience and the Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft as part of a team working on "Neuromorphic vision sensors for single-molecule bioimaging". We are an experimental biophysics lab employing super-resolution imaging techniques and fast 3D microscopy to improve understanding of cellular structures at the nanometer scale. As a young research group, we offer an interactive, supportive and collegial environment. We perform multidisciplinary research where we combine techniques from molecular/cell biology, (physical/bio) chemistry, (bio)physics, optics and machine learning. To ensure interactions and exchange of ideas, we have regular group and department meetings as well as meetings with the experimental and computational groups we collaborate with.
Job requirements
We seek an outstanding (bio)physicist with a strong affinity for research at the interface of physics, biology/biochemistry and computer science and with relevant research experience in fields such as optics/microscopy, programming, molecular or cell biophysics. We are looking for a candidate with a high level of intellectual creativity, genuine interest in fundamental research, who enjoys collaborations and easily communicates with scientists from different disciplines.
Applicants must
- Hold a Master’s degree, or approach its completion, in physics, mathematics, nanobiology, chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- Have excellent written and spoken English skills (see below).
- Thrive in an international, ambitious, multidisciplinary, and highly collaborative environment.
- Affinity with (3D/super-resolution/single-molecule) microscopy, Python and quantitative data analysis.
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.
Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.
Conditions of employment
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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.
Additional information
For more information about this vacancy, please contact Kristin Grussmayer (k.s.grussmayer@tudelft.nl). You can find more information about our lab on our website: https://www.tudelft.nl/en/grussmayerlab.
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 April 2026 via the application button and upload the following documents:
- Your detailed CV,
- A motivation letter that briefly describes why you apply for this position, your research interests, and your fit to the group,
We will perform a rolling evaluation of the applications in batches as they come in.
You can address your application to Kristin Grussmayer.
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.
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.
