PhD Position in Single-Molecule Biophysic

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 34,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts on health insurance

Monthly work costs contribution

Relocation assistance

Dual Career Programme

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) seeks a PhD student to explore molecular interactions using single-molecule techniques and computational tools for therapeutic applications. The role blends experimental biophysics with data-driven methods and ML validation on high-throughput data.

Applicants should have an MSc in a relevant field, strong Python/data-analysis skills, and excellent English. The project is part of an MSCA-eligible Doctoral Network with international collaboration.

Qualifications

• MSc degree (or nearing completion) in physics, biophysics, computational biology, or related field.
• Strong programming skills (Python) and experience in data analysis and computational methods.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment.

Responsibilities

• Use single-molecule techniques to study molecular interactions, including protein–ligand and protein–peptide interactions.
• Combine experimental approaches with computational methods and validate ML predictions with high-throughput data.
• Collaborate with international partners for therapeutic applications of the research.

Skills

Python programming

Data analysis

Molecular biology familiarity

English proficiency

International collaboration

Education

MSc in physics/ biophysics/ computational biology

Job description

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Organisation/Company Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Research Field Biological sciences » Biological engineering Biological sciences » Biology Physics » Biophysics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 1 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 38.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

We are seeking a motivated PhD student to use single-molecule techniques and computational tools to explore molecular interactions and apply them for therapeutic applications.
Job description
We are looking for a PhD student passionate about understanding molecular mechanisms in biological systems. This position involves applying single-molecule techniques to study molecular interactions, including protein‑ligand interactions and protein‑peptide interactions. The candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment, combining experimental approaches (single molecule fluorescence and biochemistry) with computational methods. The candidate will obtain single-molecule multiplexing data and validate machine learning predictions using the high-throughput data. The successful candidate will collaborate with international partners for therapeutic applications of this research. The project offers opportunities to make significant contributions to understanding molecular interactions and their implications for both fundamental and medical sciences.
Job requirements

• MSc degree (or nearing completion) in physics, biophysics, computational biology, or a related field.
• Strong programming skills (Python) and experience in data analysis and computational methods.
• Familiarity with molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, international, and interdisciplinary environment.

This position is part of a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network. Applicants must satisfy the MSCA mobility rule: at the time of recruitment, they must not have lived or carried out their main activity, such as work or study, in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the previous 36 months. The rule applies regardless of nationality.
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Working at TU Delft means contributing to solutions that really make a difference.
For over 180 years, we have been training engineers who make an impact worldwide in companies, government bodies, or as entrepreneurs. Our alumni turn knowledge into concrete solutions for the challenges of today and tomorrow.
These challenges are changing rapidly. That is why we focus on themes such as energy, climate, digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and smart mobility every day. Our education and research are directly aligned with what society needs now and in the future.
At TU Delft, our people make the difference. With their knowledge and curiosity, our staff provide a high-quality education and conduct pioneering research that extends beyond the campus. You will have the opportunity to take the initiative, work with others, and grow as a professional.
Working at TU Delft means join an international community of professionals and students. Together, we create knowledge, innovations, and solutions that help move the world forward.
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 €3059 - €3881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a fulltime contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end-of-year bonus of 8.3%.
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 Chirlmin Joo, via [e-mail] .

#EUfunded This is an EU funded project, named MORPHEOS: neuroMORPHic fluidic circuits Enabled by artificial iOn channelS, with project number 101311970, within program Horizon Europe / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks
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.
• As part of knowledge security, TU Delft conducts a risk assessment during the recruitment of personnel. We do this, among other things, to prevent the unwanted transfer of sensitive knowledge and technology. The assessment is based on information provided by the candidates themselves, such as their motivation letter and CV, and takes place at the final stages of the selection process. When the outcome of the assessment is negative, the candidate will be informed. The processing of personal data in the context of the risk assessment is carried out on the legal basis of the GDPR: performing a public task in the public interest. You can find more information about this assessment on our website about knowledge security.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.