Postdoctoral research position in Synthetic Cell Engineering at Radboud University

Laplace Expert Ltd; Nijmegen; Remote; EUR 41,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Radboud University in Nijmegen, Netherlands, invites two postdoctoral researchers to advance synthetic cell engineering. The role focuses on bottom-up liposome-based synthetic cells with cell-free gene expression, using high-throughput methods, AI, and liquid handling robots to improve yield and robustness.

The positions are embedded in a European Propel consortium for sustainable biomanufacturing. The appointment is full-time for 1 year, with research on protein-based materials and

Qualifications

• PhD in synthetic biology, chemical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with cell-free gene expression systems and/or liposomes.
• Interest in liquid handling robots, Python and Bayesian optimisation.
• Team player in multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong publication record.
• Good command of spoken and written English.

Responsibilities

• Develop design-build-test-learn cycle for synthetic cells.
• Integrate liquid handling robots and high-speed microscopy.
• Apply AI and machine learning to optimize liposome-encapsulated gene expression systems.
• Scale pipeline for robust protein production and waste-to-value applications.

Skills

Python

Bayesian optimisation

Machine learning

High-throughput screening

Teamwork

Scientific writing

English communication

Education

PhD in synthetic biology

PhD in chemical engineering

Tools

Liquid handling robots

Liposomes

Cell-free gene expression systems

Job description

Postdoctoral research position in Synthetic Cell Engineering at Radboud University

Apply by 15 Oct 2026

About This Opportunity

Radboud University is offering a postdoctoral research position in Synthetic Cell Engineering in Nijmegen, Netherlands. The opportunity is relevant to Biotechnology and focuses on the research, training, or professional activities described in the official vacancy.

Contribute to breakthrough research on synthetic cells chemistry of the future. We are looking for two postdoctoral researchers to develop synthetic cells that can produce valuable products from waste streams. These positions are part of a European consortium Propel, which aims to revolutionise sustainable bio-manufacturing through the creation of the first integrated, cost-efficient and scalable pipeline for the production of protein-based materials and biocatalysts using synthetic cells. A key objective is the bottom-up construction of synthetic cells that are capable of sustained protein production. This is a formidable challenge as we lack a blueprint that allows for a bottom-up engineering approach. At the same time, there is an experimental bottleneck: the number of ingredients (lipids, amino acids, cell-free gene expression machinery) prevents a trial-and-error approach where the complete experimental space can be explored such that a large number of experiments will include the correct solution to the problem. You will develop a design-build-test-learn cycle, combining high throughput experiments and active learning to obtain synthetic cells with the desired properties. You will integrate liquid handling robots and high-speed microscopy with AI and machine learning to form stable liposomes from libraries of (novel) phospholipids that can robustly encapsulate cell-free gene expression systems. You will then expand this pipeline to optimise the yield and especially the robustness of the cell-free expression system. The result will be synthetic cells that can be used across the consortium to degrade plastic waste and transform waste products into valuable biomaterials.

Engineering Biological sciences Chemistry Synthetic Cell Engineering

Level Postdoc

Time Commitment Full-time

Duration 1 year

Field Synthetic Cell Engineering

Specialization Biotechnology

Organization Type University

Funding & Compensation

Amount EUR 3706-5760 / Per Month

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Period Per Month

Requirements

You have a PhD degree in synthetic biology, chemical engineering or a related discipline. You have practical experience with cell-free gene expression systems and/or liposomes. You take an interest in liquid handling robots, Python and Bayesian optimisation. You are a team player and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment. You have a strong publication track record. You have a good command of spoken and written English.

Education

You have a PhD degree in synthetic biology, chemical engineering or a related discipline. You have practical experience with cell-free gene expression systems and/or liposomes. You take an interest in liquid handling robots, Python and Bayesian optimisation. You are a team player and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment. You have a strong publication track record. You have a good command of spoken and written English.

Experience

You have a PhD degree in synthetic biology, chemical engineering or a related discipline. You have practical experience with cell-free gene expression systems and/or liposomes. You take an interest in liquid handling robots, Python and Bayesian optimisation. You are a team player and enjoy working in a multidisciplinary environment. You have a strong publication track record. You have a good command of spoken and written English.

Technical Skills

Python Machine learning and artificial intelligence High-throughput screening

General Skills

Teamwork and collaboration Scientific writing