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PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse
Are you fascinated by how neuronal synapses assemble at the molecular level? Join our lab to explore synapse formation with cryo-EM/ET imaging in a supportive and ambitious research environment.
Job description
A 4-year PhD position is available in the research group of Dr. Dimphna Meijer at the Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), the Netherlands.
The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? Recently, we determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, you will take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly. You will work with minimal, well-controlled synaptic assemblies and characterize them using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy approaches.
Specific objectives are:
Setting up a cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for synaptic assemblies
Visualizing the nanoscale architecture of synaptic assemblies
High-resolution structure determination of synaptic cell-adhesion molecule pairs
Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons
You will be the scientific driver of the project and gradually grow towards independence as a researcher, while working closely with the PI and other group members. You will receive hands-on supervision and training in cryo-ET, structural biology and advanced microscopy.
The department offers state-of-the-art facilities, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes and advanced mammalian cell culture infrastructure.
Why join the Meijer lab?
You will join an international research group that values scientific rigor, open discussion and mutual support. As a PhD candidate, you will be closely supervised while being encouraged to develop your own ideas and scientific independence. The project combines fundamental questions with cutting-edge methods, offering excellent opportunities for personal and scientific growth. See also our group website www.dimphnameijerlab.org.
Job requirements
We are looking for a curious, motivated and collaborative researcher who is excited to work at the interface of structural biology and neuroscience.
You hold a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or a related field.
You have experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, or a strong interest in learning these techniques.
Experience with cryo-EM or cryo-ET is a strong plus but not required.
You are fluent in English and enjoy working in an international 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.
about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Principal Investigator, via
[email protected].
Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 5 July 2026 upload the following documents:
Letter of motivation (generic AI letters will be disregarded).
Detailed CV.
Please limit your motivation letter to half of an A4 page, explaining why this PhD position interests you and what experience you have with the relevant techniques, or why you would like to learn them. A short, self-written motivation letter is preferred over a highly polished or AI-generated text.
Reference checks are part of the selection process after the initial application stage.
You can address your application to Dr. Dimphna Meijer, Principal Investigator.
Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.
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: €3059 - €3881
Submission is possible until: 5 Jul 2026
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