Cryo-EM Support Research Technician

Do you enjoy structural biology data processing (e.g. Relion5, Cryosparc), mammalian cell biology ánd lab management? This is your chance: Join us for a temporary position as research technician.

Job description

A temporary research assistant position (0.8-1.0 FTE) is available in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands. Starting date preferably between July – Sept 2025. 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and computationally skilled individual to join our team as a cryo-EM support research technician on a temporary basis. This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in the exciting combination of structural biology data processing, mammalian cell biology and lab management/organization.

About the Meijer lab

Our group investigates how neurons form functional networks at the nanoscale, using an integrated approach that combines cell biology, biochemistry, and structural biology. Our work contributes to understanding the molecular basis of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders. We address key questions such as:

• What is the structural basis of synapse formation
• How do pathogenic mutations disrupt protein architecture and function?

Recently, we have solved several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules to uncover the molecular recognition code of synapses. As our group expands, we are looking for additional support for cryo-EM workflows to support this research.

We are an international, multidisciplinary team aiming to understand the molecular mechanisms of neurobiology at the highest resolution. We value curiosity, teamwork, and a high-quality research culture. See also our group website www.dimphnameijerlab.org

About the vacancy

The successful candidate will be directly involved in the cryo-EM data processing, and also provide support for mammalian cell biology and lab organization. We expect you to contribute to structural biology data processing, including the organization of data acquisition and storage. You will work with local GPU compute servers, TU Delft clusters, and the national compute infrastructure (Snellius at SURF). You will also contribute to data analysis workflows and provide technical support to PhD students and other researchers in the lab. Alongside the computational tasks, you will assist in mammalian cell biology, and play a key role in lab management, including: Ordering reagents, consumables, and DNA constructs, organizing biological and chemical safety procedures and overseeing general lab organization and compliance. We maintain a strong wet-lab component in the group. The lab includes a state-of-the-art mammalian cell culture facility with incubators, laminar flow hoods, fluorescent microscopes, and automated cell counters. The department is well equipped for biophysical assays, such as SEC MALS, AFM, mass photometry, thermostability, single molecule assays. Our lab is closely integrated with the Kavli Nanolab Imaging Center, which houses confocal, super-resolution, and cryo-electron microscopes.

Key responsibilities:

• Structural bioloy data processing
• Mammalian cell biology
• General lab support (ordering, safety, organization)     

Job requirements

We are looking for a skilled and motivated research asssistant with a BSc/MSc degree in nanobiology, structural biology, biophysics or related field. We also consider applicants with a PhD degree. The ideal candidate enjoys efficiency, and is an excellent team player. You should be comfortable supporting data analysis pipelines in structural biology, but you should also be familiar with wet-lab workflows (e.g., mammalian cell culture, protein production). A strong sense of organization and an interest in lab management tasks such as ordering and safety procedures are essential. Experience with cryo-EM data processing (e.g., Relion 5, Cryosparc) is essential. We are happy to provide further training in cryo-EM data processing for motivated candidates with a strong interest in computational workflows.

Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc (or PhD) degree in a relevant field
• Demonstrable expertise with cryo-EM data processing and analysis
• Familiarity with mammalian cell culture
• Interested in maintaining a biological and chemical safe working environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

This position offers flexible working hours that can be tailored to the applicant's needs. It is an ideal opportunity for someone who is considering an academic career path, a career in industry or a support position in a research facility.

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

• Duration of contract is 12 months Temporary
• A job of 24-38 hours per week. 
• A salary based on Schaal 08 of the CAO for Dutch Universities with a salary between €3218 - €4298 gross per month based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.  
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP. 
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year. 
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages. 
• Flexible working week. 
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget. 
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses. 
• Partially paid parental leave 
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program. 

Additional information

If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dimphna Meijer, via d.h.m.meijer@tudelft.nl

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 6 July 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents in English (PDF format only):

• Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded)

• Detailed CV

• High school and University grades

• At least one name of a referee (more referees may be requested at later stage)

You can address your application to Dimphna Meijer.

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.