Two Postdoc Positions on Synthetic Cells

Employment

1.0 FTE

Gross monthly salary

€ 3,706 - € 5,760

Required background

PhD

Organizational unit

Faculty of Science

Application deadline

15 October 2026

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.

I try to help budding academics feel just as at home at Radboud University as I do. Laura van Niftrik Professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Science

Laura van Niftrik is a Professor of Microbiology at the Faculty of Science.

"Strong collegiality is one of the unique characteristics of Radboud University. There is a safe, friendly atmosphere. It’s easy to collaborate with colleagues from other research groups and faculties, and I have never seen any kind of competitiveness between my co-workers. The university still has some way to go when it comes to diversity, whether we’re talking about gender, culture or ethnicity. At the same time, I’m glad to see that a great deal of attention is being paid to this issue. This is evident in such practices as mentorship, which is something from which I’ve also benefited during my academic career. Spending time with an experienced academic so that you can brainstorm and bring each other up to speed on things can be quite helpful. Now that I’m a professor myself, I’ve also taken on the role of mentor. This has allowed me to help budding academics to feel just as at home at Radboud University as I do."

Does this sound like you?

• 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.

What we offer you

• 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 10 depends 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 8,3% 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.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's 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 membership. In 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.

Where you will be working

You will join Prof. Wilhelm Huck's 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.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In 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 1,300 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 university. In 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.

Is this the job for you?

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Prof. Wilhelm Huck. In 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 you're curious about our application 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.

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

Want to know more about this position?

Prof. W.T.S. Huck (Wilhelm)

wilhelm.huck [at] ru.nl Last modified: 28 August 2026 Share this page