Postdoc Understanding and Improving Robustness of Yeast in an Industrial Process

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft); Netherlands; On-site; EUR 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ABP pension

Education and training

Leave hours budget

Relocation support

Job summary

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a PhD/postdoctoral research position in the Industrial Microbiology section of the Department of Biotechnology. The project explores robustness in yeast-based production, combining cell biology, genome editing and quantitative physiology in lab bioreactors.

You will join a collaborative team of PIs and researchers, work with an industrial partner, and have opportunities for professional development, trainings and an international

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., molecular biology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology or cell biology).
• Hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetics and/or genome engineering.
• Demonstrated creativity and independence in experimental research and ability to develop new methods.

Responsibilities

• Investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of robustness in industrial yeast strains.
• Translate findings into rational strategies for strain improvement.
• Combine cell biology, genome editing and quantitative physiology in laboratory bioreactors.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genome engineering

Experimental research

English communication

Education

PhD in molecular biology/metabolic engineering/synthetic biology

Tools

CRISPR / genome editing

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 Engineering » Biomaterial engineering Engineering » Chemical engineering Engineering » Process engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 30 Sep 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 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

Join TU Delft to uncover the biology of cellular robustness in an industrial yeast process and translate your discoveries into innovative genome engineering strategies.
Job description
You will join a vibrant and collaborative research environment within the Industrial Microbiology section of the Department of Biotechnology at TU Delft. The section brings together six principal investigators and a diverse international team of postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates and technicians with complementary expertise in modelling, molecular biology, genomics, microbial physiology, synthetic biology and metabolic engineering. This multidisciplinary environment provides excellent opportunities for scientific exchange and collaboration.
This project, co-supervised by professors Jack Pronk and Jean-Marc Daran, is conducted in close collaboration with a leading biotechnology company. It focuses on understanding the molecular basis of a key robustness trait in a yeast-based production process that is already deployed at industrial scale. This unique setting offers an excellent opportunity to address fundamental questions in microbial physiology while working on a challenge of direct relevance to industrial biotechnology.
The successful candidate will investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying robustness in industrial yeast strains and translate this knowledge into rational strategies for strain improvement. The project will combine cell biology, genome editing and quantitative physiological studies in laboratory bioreactors.
The position offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of fundamental and applied research, to benefit from close interactions with experts across multiple disciplines, and to contribute to innovations that can have a tangible impact on sustainable biomanufacturing.
Job requirements
We welcome applications from candidates who:

• have completed a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as molecular biology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology or cell biology;
• enjoy experimental research and have hands-on experience in molecular biology, genetics and/or genome engineering;
• have demonstrated creativity and independence in experimental research and are keen to develop and implement innovative methodologies
• appreciate the value of close interaction with an industrial partner and are motivated by research with real-world impact;
• have excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
• contribute to a respectful, inclusive, collaborative and ambitious research environment.

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.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 3 years. Temporary external finance.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• 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.

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 or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. J.T. Pronk, via [e-mail] .

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.