Postdoc in Biophysics
Wageningen University Laboratory of Biophysics
Netherlands

Location Wageningen

End date Sat 16 January 2021

We are looking for

We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc in single-molecule biophysics to advance our newly developed single-molecule technique for protein detection: the NEOtrap = Nanopore Electro-Osmotic trap. 

Research project: The NEOtrap is formed by a DNA-origami structure docked onto a nanopore to (i) form a nanoscale cavity, and (ii) induce an electro-osmotic trapping potential. This allows us to sense the behaviour of a single protein over time, similar to smFRET or optical/magnetic tweezers. The big advantage is however that the NEOtrap works label-free using native proteins, is not limited by photo-bleaching, and does not rely on mechanical unfolding. The NEOtrap is further unique, in that it covers an exceptional time bandwidth (microseconds to hours), which is ideal to detect the broad range dynamics observed in proteins. The NEOtrap has already proven to distinguish not only proteins of different molecular weight, but even nucleotide-dependent conformations of the same protein, which demonstrates excellent sensitivity thus opening the way for many exciting next steps including electrical detection of protein dynamics, enzymatic reactions, protein fingerprinting, electro-optical combinations etc. The position is shared between the labs of Cees Dekker at TU Delft, NL, www.ceesdekkerlab.nl and Sonja Schmid at WUR, NL, www.NanoDynamicsLab.nl .

We ask

• a PhD in (bio)physics, biochemistry, interdisciplinary nanosciences or related fields and a fundamental interest in single-molecule studies and protein dynamics;
• a strong background in one or several of the following research fields: experience in single-molecule experiments, protein biophysics, nanofluidics/nanopore detection, advanced data analysis and pattern recognition;
• an independent, well-organized and reliable work style, enthusiasm for the project, and a strong drive to do interdisciplinary experimental research;
• a social team player attitude and good communication skills in English;
• a profound interest in the broader field of single-molecule protein science to contribute to our open and interactive lab culture.

We offer

A stimulating position with a competitive salary from a minimum of € 3217,- to a maximum of € 4402,- (depending on your experience) for a full working week of 38 hours in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement Dutch Universities (scale 10). We offer a temporary position for 2 years with a contract for one year at the WUR and one year at the TU Delft and potential extension.
In addition, we offer:

• 8% holiday allowance;
• a structural year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent training opportunities and secondary employment conditions;
• flexible working hours and holidays can possibly be determined in consultation so that an optimal balance between work and private life is possible;
• excellent pension plan through ABP;
• 232 vacation hours, the option to purchase extra and good supplementary leave schemes;
• a flexible working time: the possibility to work a maximum of 2 hours per week extra and thereby to build up extra leave;
• a choice model to put together part of your employment conditions yourself, such as a bicycle plan;
• a lively workplace where you can easily make contacts and where many activities take place on the Wageningen Campus. A place where education, research and business are represented;
• use the sports facilities on campus.

More information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr Sonja Schmid, Assistant Professor of Biophysics, email: sonja.schmid@wur.nl and Prof. Cees Dekker at TU Delft: c.dekker@tudelft.nl.
For more information about the procedure, please contact Marjolijn Steffens, HR Advisor, email: 
marjolijn.steffens@wur.nl

Do you want to apply?

This can be done directly via the application button at the vacancy on our website so that we can process your personal data with your permission.This vacancy is open until January 17th 2021. 

Equal opportunities employer

We are an employer that offers equal opportunities. We are happy to receive applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, gender, functional impairment, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive working environment makes us a more relevant, competitive and resilient organization. Click here for more information about working at WUR with a functional impairment.

We are

The Laboratory of Biophysics (BIP) engages in research of the physical aspects of life processes and teaching of the fundamentals of physics and biophysics and their application in the life sciences. The research of BIP relies on both optical and magnetic resonance techniques.
BIP is a dynamic international team comprising around 10 staff members, 15 PhD students and post-docs. More information on our team can be found at http://www.bip.wur.nl/UK/. BIP is embedded in the BioMolecular Sciences cluster and participates in the MicroSpectroscopy Research Facility and the MAGNEtic resonance research FacilitY of Wageningen university & Research.

The mission of our University is to explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life. Within Wageningen University & Research, nine specialised research institutes from the Wageningen Research Foundation and Wageningen University have joined forces to help answer the most important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. 
With approximately 30 locations, 6,500 employees, and 12,000 students, it is one of the leading organisations in its domain worldwide. An integrated approach to problems and the cooperation between various disciplines are at the heart of the unique approach of Wageningen. We have been named Best Employer in Education category 2019-2020.

Click here for more information about working at Wageningen University & Research.

More information about Wageningen Campus you can find here.