PhD Position Controlling Cell-cell Communication with Cell Adhesion Molecules

Join us in unraveling the complexities of cell-cell interactions by developing minimal and modular cell adhesion molecules (CAM) for synthetic cells.

Job description 

A 4-year PhD position is available in the research group of Dimphna Meijer at the Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

One of the key challenges in building synthetic cells is equipping them with the ability to sense their environment and communicate with other cells. In this project, you will develop and apply a universal platform to engineer modular cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) into synthetic cell membranes, enabling controlled attraction, repulsion, and downstream signaling. You will work with bio-inspired domains from neuronal CAM families and study how their molecular composition, organization, and membrane insertion impact synthetic cell communication.

Specifically, you will: (1) Determine minimal interaction domains in modular CAMs and test adhesion properties using biophysical and cell-based assays. (2) Insert CAMs into synthetic cell membranes for cryo-EM/cryo-ET imaging. (3) Investigate intracellular signaling upon extracellular input using designed cytosolic domains. State-of-the-art facilities are available in our department, including high-end light and cryo-electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture infrastructure.

You are enthusiastic about molecular engineering, membrane proteins, and synthetic biology, and enjoy integrating structural and cellular approaches. You will drive a new project focused on engineering a minimal and modular CAM system for synthetic cells, as part of EVOLF (Evolving Life from Non-Life). EVOLF is a large, highly collaborative consortium spanning multiple Dutch universities, working to study how to create living (synthetic) cells from lifeless molecules.

The Meijer lab consists of an international team of multidisciplinary scientists who aim for a high-impact, collaborative setting where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions. We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this new project, we are aiming to engineer a minimal and modular system to enable sensing and communication of synthetic cells, using a combination of protein biochemistry & biophysics, structural biology, and mammalian cell biology approaches. Learn more about our group at: www.dimphnameijerlab.org.

Job requirements 

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented PhD candidate ready to take on new challenges. The ideal candidate has a M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, or a related field. Experience in protein biochemistry, X-ray crystallography, and/or cryo-EM is highly desirable. Prior experience with cryo-EM or cryo-ET is a plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and eager to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

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 € 2872 per month in the first year to € 3670 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.  

Additional information

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

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 May 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Letter of motivation (generic letters will be disregarded). 
• Detailed CV.
• Names and email addresses of 3 references.

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.