PhD Position for Studying in Vitro Single-molecule Transport Across Peroxisome Mimics Delft • TU Delft

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PhD student for studying in vitro single-molecule transport across peroxisome mimics

The selective control of import and export across membrane-spanning pores is vital for our cells. Typically, the specificity, speed, and directionality of transport are tightly woven into the ordered structure of the pore which is characterized by a limited conformational flexibility. Remarkably, nature also offers a fascinating and unexpected alternative strategy: by lining membrane pores with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) to guard the gap. The best example is the nuclear pore complex (NPC), responsible for all molecular transport in and out of the cell nucleus. These pores exhibit an intriguing selectivity where most proteins are blocked from transport, while particular transport receptor (TR) proteins, can pass to traverse their cargo. A mechanistic understanding of this puzzling selectivity has remained lacking.

The recent discovery of IDP-based pores in peroxisomes that are similarly selective but with a drastically reduced complexity, promises to now uncover, for the first time, _general_ principles of IDP-based transport selectivity.

The aim of this proposal is to resolve the fundamentals of this IDP-mediated selective barrier function. In our biophysics lab we study in vitro reconstitutions of peroxisomes in simple mimics that are made using DNA origami. We study single-molecule transport and measure the nanoscale structure using TEM, AFM, FRET, DIB, etc. W design the amino-acid sequence of the IDPs and TRs de novo from the bottom up and study these in biomimetic nanopores. The approach can be expected to uncover the vital mechanism of selective IDP-mediated transport and thus answer one of the central questions in molecular cell biology. We collaborate with experts in cell biology and MD simulations.

We are looking for outstanding experimentalists that are eager to participate in our research. The group aims at research at the highest international level. Candidates that fit into this environment are invited to apply. Experience in fields such as NPC, peroxisomes, DNA origami, IDPs, biophysics, single-molecule techniques, and optical imaging is welcomed. We foster diversity and female candidates are particularly invited to apply, since the gender balance recently declined with the departure of quite some female postdocs and students. Your cover letter and CV may be internally shared with CDlab group members for review.

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! 

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. 

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 per month in the first year to € 3881 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 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.  

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Professor Cees Dekker, via via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina.. 

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter

You can address your application to Professor Cees Dekker. 

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. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.