PhD Position Structural Biology Neuronal Synapse

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

We embrace diversity as one of our core values and actively promote an inclusive environment.

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of two employment contracts. An initial 1.5-year contract with an official go/no‑go progress assessment within 15 months, followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, ranging from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month, from the first year to the fourth year based on a full‑time contract (38 hours), plus 8% holiday allowance and an end‑of‑year bonus of 8.3%.

As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and mentors, and offers a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline‑related and research skills.

TU Delft will support relocation with a Dual Career Programme and assist partners with job search in the Netherlands.