Postdoc Integrating Spectroscopic Process Analytical Technology for Fermentation Process
Are you interested in (re)entering biotech research? This position supports a non-linear career path with a focus on implementing process analytical technology into bioprocesses.
Job description
Project description
This position is part of a bilateral research consortium that works on the integration of different spectroscopic techniques connected to fermentors to realize real-time monitoring, with the goal to obtain more in-depth process understanding and develop automated control strategies for single cell microbial suspension cultures. Currently, the team is working on liquid- and gas-phase chemical compound measurements, while the open position will focus on cell measurements. You will land in a project team comprising postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and technicians that have a diverse range of educational backgrounds, ranging from microbial physiology and bioprocess engineering to applied optics and data science.
Non-linear career path funding
This one-year position is funded with the intent to diversify the scientific research community. For this reason, we strive to contribute to a non-linear career path with the aim to expand your technical expertise and network for a succcessful (re)integration into the Dutch biotechnology ecosystem. A non-linear career path can include, but is not limited to, reentering research after a career break, transitioning from an industry position, or switching scientific disciplines. We believe that researchers with a non-linear career path can bring a problem-solving mindset, cross-disciplinary experience, and/or alternative professional perspectives that will fit well within our interdisciplinary project.
What are we looking for?
We are looking for a person who can work at the interface of microbial fermentation technology and real-time data analytics, so that we can bridge experimental and computation workflows, and accelerate sensor integration. The position will include lab and computational work. In the lab, you will be responsible for the integration of a commercial spectroscopic sensor and gathering relevant fermentation data. The computational component involves signal processing and data analysis. As this project involves a different sensor technology than those currently used, a collaboration with other researchers in the consortium is expected to explore complementarities between different sensing approaches.
In addition to scientific work, this project also provides funding for professional development by following two Advanced Courses offered by BioTech Delft (https://biotechdelft.com/), a membership for the Dutch Biotechnology Association that allows you to attend different professional activities and expand your network within Dutch biotechnology sector, and the possibility to join and contribute to a biotechnology-oriented conference.
Research group
The Klijn lab works on implementation of real-time analytics in bioprocesses to facilitate automated monitoring and control strategies. We work on a broad range of processes, from microbial to mammalian, and we use a variety of process analytical technology.
Summary
This position will offer you the opportunity to refresh or expand your technical expertise and utilize dedicated funding for training and growing your network. In addition, you will experience an interdisciplinary collaboration to integrate advanced sensors into industry relevant bioprocesses.
Job requirements
As we aim to recruit a new team member with a nonlinear career path, we provide the job requirements as a guideline to reflect the planned research activities. We are open to different scientific disciplines and look forward to understand your motivation to apply for a biotechnology research position that combines lab work and data analtyics. This position also includes technical support, where we have extensive fermentation experience available.
Scientific experience
Microbial biotechnology (this can include, but is not limited to, fermentation technology)
(Bio)chemical analytical techniques (e.g., HPLC, optical density, spectroscopy)
Data analysis, where programming (e.g., R, Python, Matlab) is considered a big plus
Transferable skilss
Open to learn and develop
Pro-active and problem-solving mindset
Ability to break-down and communicate complex research data
Enjoy a fast-paced, multidisciplinary, and collaborative 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.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Marieke Klijn, via
[email protected]. For more information about the application procedure, please contact Kawieta Ramautar (
[email protected]).
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 31 August 2026 upload the following documents:
CV (max 2 A4 pages)
Motivational letter (max 1,5 A4 pages)
Application documents that do not adhere to these limitations cannot be taken into consideration.
You can address your application to Dr. Marieke Klijn. Please note that your cover letter needs to include (1) a clear motivation to apply for a position that is aimed to create an opportunity for a non-linear career path and how the topic of this project fits with the next steps in your career, and (2) your preferred selection of two Advanced Courses offered by BioTech Delft, and how these courses would help you reach your envisioned career step. If this is not included, we cannot take your application into consideration.
We aim for the first round of online interviews early September, a second round of interviews will be planned shortly after, end of September or early October. The latest possible starting date is 1 December.
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.
Faculty/Department: Faculty of Applied Sciences
Salary range: € 3706 - € 5760
Submission is possible until: 31 Aug 2026
