Postdoctoral Researcher: Microfluidic Manipulation and Evolution of Coacervate-based Minimal Cells

Deze vacature is alleen beschikbaar in het Engels

We are seeking an experienced postdoctoral researcher to set up a microfluidics capability that will allow manipulating coacervate droplets containing synthetic self-replicating molecules and monitor their evolution upon growth and division.

Faculty of Science and Engineering Solliciteer uiterlijk: 31 July 2026 23:59 Dutch local time 1 fte €4.251 - €4.925

Postdoctoral Researcher: Microfluidic Manipulation and Evolution of Coacervate-based Minimal Cells

https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/postdoctoral-researcher-microfluidic-manipulation-and-evolution-of-coacervate-based-minimal-cells-2217/

What are you going to do?

• Conducting independent high-quality research (and publishing) on the evolution of minimal cells based on organic molecules.
• Collaborating with several PhD students and a postdoctoral researcher who work on self-replicators and minimal cells.
• (Helping to) write external funding applications to further strengthen the research on speech technology for low resource varieties.
• Help with public engagement activities.
• Participate in the weekly meetings of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry.
• Help supervising the research projects of BSc or MSc students. Faculty of Science and Engineering Solliciteer uiterlijk: 31 July 2026 23:59 Dutch local time €4.251 - €4.925

Who are you?

You are an ambitious researcher with (or close to getting) a PhD in chemistry. You have several impactful publications in leading international journals and a demonstrable experience with microfluidics technology, and an interest in or experience in evolution. You demonstrate motivation to seek further research funding. You have a successful track record of collaborating with BSc, MSc or PhD students. Your of English is sufficient to autonomously write academic articles and present your work.

What can you expect from us?

• In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 4.251 (schaal 10.4) up to a maximum of € 4.925 (schaal 10.7) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• A temporary appointment of 1.0 FTE for initially 12 months, but extended to a total of 36 months based on a positive evaluation. Note that the non-negotiable starting date for this position is October 1, 2026.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse.

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Application procedure

Step 1: Your application After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection The selection committee assesses your application and you will be notified as soon as possible whether you are invited for an interview.

Step 3: First interview We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lectureWe may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this vacancy appeal to you? If so, click on the button below and apply straightaway.

Please add the following documents to your application:

• Curriculum vitae.
• List of publications.
• Motivation letter.
• Name and (email) address of two professional references.
• ID number of this position.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

• Questions about the content of the job?

Sijbren Otto

Full Professor

S.Otto@rug.nl

• Questions about your application process?

Ester Westenbrink

Management/Office-assistant

e.westenbrink@rug.nl Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP Application Code.

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