Two Postdoc Positions on Synthetic Cells

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI) part of Radboud University engages in groundbreaking research and excellent doing so we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation.

We seek solutions to major societal challenges such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges such as those in the quantum world. At the same time we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field.

Currently more than 1300 colleagues contribute to research and education some as researchers and lecturers others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together we work in an informal accessible and welcoming environment with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

Radboud University
At Radboud University we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research providing high-quality education offering excellent support and fostering collaborations within and outside the doing so we contribute indispensably to a healthy free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this we need even more colleagues who based on their expertise are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds cultures and perspectives.

If you want to learn more about working at Radboud University follow our Instagram account and read stories from our colleagues.

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.

• 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.

You will join Prof. Wilhelm Hucks group at the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). The group consists of some seven postdoctoral researchers and 15 PhD candidates. We are an internationally oriented multidisciplinary and diverse group working on various complex molecular systems. We are part of the Dutch EVOLF consortium which combines AI and high-throughput experiments to create living cells.

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1 year with the prospect of an extension for another 1 or 2 years.
• Your salary within salary scale 10depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 83% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Wilhelm the application form you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. Therefore you will receive feedback and information about a possible follow-up process shortly. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date the vacancy will be closed and further applications will no longer be possible. The interview slots will be scheduled in consultation with the shortlisted applicants. You will preferably start your employment on 1 November 2026.

We can imagine youre curious about ourapplication procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.

Do you already work at Radboud University and have questions about making an internal move Learn more about internal applications.

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud Universitys primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports addition you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And of course we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore we provide various training and development schemes.