PhD Researcher to Investigate Small Volume Sample Preparation for Cryogenic Electron Microscopy Delft • TU Delft

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To unlock the potential of targeted femtoliter volume control for efficient imaging of biological objects at molecular resolution.

Femto-Cryo project is a Topconsortium voor Kennis and Innovatie (TKI) project in a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme in collaboration with DENS solutions company. Femto-Cryo will use 3D printed fluid force microscopy (FluidFM) cantilevers from TU Delft, and CryoSilico cryo-EM sample supports from DENS solutions to develop a novel reproducible sample preparation method for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). You will fabricate microfluidic mechanical probes with phase guides, develop controlled dispensing of femto-liter volume samples without evaporation, implement real-time monitoring of ultrathin liquid films at the nanometer scale and estbalish high-speed control system instrumentation for ultrafast freezing of biological samples. Developing thorough understanding of the physics of femto-litre volume flows of viscous biological samples, the influence of surface energy in 2D materials on liquid spreading and the effect of substrate interactions on structural integrity of biomolecules will be part of the research effort. The effort should aim to use precision microfluidic control to discover high-resolution strucutral information of subcellular structures and biomolecules.

The PhD candidate will be employed at the Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME) and work in close collaboration with the Department of Bionanosciences (BN) at TU Delft. The candidate will also collaborate with scientists and engineers at DENSsolutions. The project offers a unique opportunity to develop interdisciplinary scientific knowledge and implement engineering solutions. You will be trained on microfabrication methods, high-resolution 3D-printing techniques,and advanced optical and electron beam microscopy. You will have opportunity to attend national and international conferences to present your research work. Along with technical skills, there will be plenty of opportunity to develop soft skills.    

• You have a master degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Physics, Bionanosciences, or Micro/Nano Engineering.
• Preferably, you have experience in one or more of the following fields: scientific instrumentation, microfabrication, 3D-printing, finite element analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), microfluidics, optical microscopy, electron (cryo) microscopy, image analyis, statistical data analyis, and biophysics. 
• You are independent and active in coordinating academic and industry collaborators.
• You have good writing and communication skills, to publish scientific papers and give compelling presentations.
• You are energetic and enthusiastic to explore the frontiers of precision microfluidics and cryo-EM.
• You are willing to work in a multidisciplinary team of engineers, physicists, and biologists. 

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! 

From chip to ship. From machine to human being. From idea to solution. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to understand our environment and discover its underlying mechanisms, research and education at the ME faculty focusses on fundamental understanding, design, production including application and product improvement, materials, processes and (mechanical) systems. 

ME is a dynamic and innovative faculty with high-tech lab facilities and international reach. It’s a large faculty but also versatile, so we can often make unique connections by combining different disciplines. This is reflected in ME’s outstanding, state-of-the-art education, which trains students to become responsible and socially engaged engineers and scientists. We translate our knowledge and insights into solutions to societal issues, contributing to a sustainable society and to the development of prosperity and well-being. That is what unites us in pioneering research, inspiring education and (inter)national cooperation. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Do you want to experience working at our faculty? These videos will introduce you to some of our researchers and their work. 

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.  

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr, Murali Ghatkesar at via de button "Solliciteer nu" op deze pagina..     

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 22 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Master and Bachelor degree transcripts

You can address your application to Murali Ghatkesar.

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.