Want to pioneer cost-effective DNA storage solutions, embedding information into new products using AM? All while drawing inspiration from living organisms? 

Job description

Modern information-based society largely relies on trusted information storage from long-term digital archiving to embedding information into products. DNA is a revolutionary future storage medium for such diverse applications as it offers sustainable and robust long-term information storage at extraordinary information density. DNA will also never become obsolete. However, long-term DNA archival storage is still very expensive and complex to integrate into a digital society.

In DiDAX, you will apply new approaches to DNA storage based on novel encoding technologies and decoding algorithms with project partners (ETH Zurich, Technion, TU Munich) and develop new embedding technologies leveraging biophysics, engineered living materials and additive manufacturing. We demonstrate end-to-end PoC systems for reduced-cost archival storage, in-product information storage in new products/applications as well as DNA based authentication protocols.

Your position is based in the Shaping Matter lab, an interdisciplinary research group in the Aerospace Structures & Materials (ASM) department (www.shapingmatterlab.com). We are inspired by how Nature utilises hierarchy at multiple length scales to structure relatively weak building blocks into complex shapes with outstanding mechanical performance. In this project you will harness self-assembly during additive manufacturing to fabricate sustainable bio-inspired DNA embedded lightweight structures with interesting functional (living) properties at application relevant scales. In particular, you will focused on bio-inspired capsulation approaches to protect the DNA from application and processing stresses. You will work alongside a postdoctoral researcher that will focus on applications from a design perspective.  

Requirements

You hold a masters degree in a natural sciences or engineering discipline, with your thesis focused on biochemistry, additive manufacturing or a related discipline. You have a scientific track record through the achievements in your research. You are proficient in meticulous lab work, programming and skilled in turning an idea into a prototype implementation. You enjoy pioneering new ideas, linking results with physical experiments and thrive in an interactive, collaborative research environment. Further, you have good English communication skills and a strong drive for academic excellence.

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.

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 € 2770 per month in the first year to € 3539 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. 

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

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 Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Additional information

For questions about this vacancy, please contact K. Masania, k.masania@tudelft.nl. 

Application procedure

Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 26 November 2023 via the application button and upload:

• A cover letter (up to one page).
• A detailed CV (up to two pages).
• BSc and MSc Transcripts.
• Master thesis & scientific papers that you have written in English.

Notes:

• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• Applying for an exemption for specific research and educational areas is an obligatory part of the selection procedure for this vacancy. This exemption must be obtained from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) before an employment contract is agreed upon. Click here for more information.
• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.