Postdoctoral position available in surface functionalization of Life Marker Chips for space-based biosensing.

Job description

Project Background:

The (Origin of) Life Marker Chip (LMCOOL) project develops space-qualified biosensors for detecting molecular biosignatures during planetary exploration missions. The LMCOOL system uses integrated photonic circuits with asymmetric Mach-Zehnder Interferometer (aMZI) sensors on silicon nitride platforms, enabling highly sensitive, label-free detection of biomolecules for astrobiological research. An essential component of the technology is chip functionalisation with receptor molecules.

Position Overview:

We seek a postdoctoral researcher to develop and optimize surface functionalization strategies for optical chips, focusing on molecular recognition systems capable of operating in extreme space environments.

Main Tasks:

• Surface Chemistry Development: Design and optimize chip surface chemistry for target biomolecules including amino acids, nucleobases, and lipid biomarkers. Explore multiple surface modification strategies including Poly-L-lysine, silane-based approaches, and novel functionalization techniques.
  
• Molecular Recognition Elements: Characterize the performance of various receptors, ranging from Aptamers to Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), optimized for specificity, affinity, binding characteristics, and photonic chip integration.
  
• Establishing laboratory facilities: Lead the installation of new measurement equipment and setup new lab facilities and protocols appropriate for Life Marker Chip studies. Supervise student using these new facilities.
  
• Space Environment Testing: Support and supervise comprehensive characterization studies including thermal cycling stability, radiation exposure effects, and long-term vacuum stability of functionalized chips.
  
• Reporting: Communicate findings to project partners with diverse backgrounds (e.g., space systems engineering, astrobiology, microfluidics) to support the development of a prototype LMCOOL instrument for space operation. Help outline protocols and methodologies for operation in planetary environments. Disseminate findings in the form of project reports, research papers, and at conferences.

Job Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or closely related field
• Strong background in surface chemistry, molecular recognition, or biosensor development
• Experience with surface modification techniques and characterization methods
• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and surface analysis methods
• Experience with cleanroom processes and microfabrication techniques is highly desirable
• Strong publication record in relevant scientific journals

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Aerospace Engineering

The Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology is one of the world’s most highly ranked (and most comprehensive) research, education and innovation communities devoted entirely to aerospace engineering. More than 200 science staff, around 270 PhD candidates and close to 3000 BSc and MSc students apply aerospace engineering disciplines to address the global societal challenges that threaten us today, climate change without doubt being the most important. Our focal subjects: sustainable aerospace, big data and artificial intelligence, bio-inspired engineering and smart instruments and systems. Working at the faculty means working together. With partners in other faculties, knowledge institutes, governments and industry, both aerospace and non-aerospace. Working in field labs and innovation hubs on our university campus and beyond.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is 2 years Temporary
• A job of 38 hours per week.
• Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities.
• An excellent pension scheme via the ABP.
• The possibility to compile an individual employment package every year.
• Discount with health insurers on supplemental packages.
• Flexible working week.
• Every year, 232 leave hours (at 38 hours). You can also sell or buy additional leave hours via the individual choice budget.
• Plenty of opportunities for education, training and courses.
• Partially paid parental leave
• Attention for working healthy and energetically with the vitality program.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands. .

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Dr. Niels Ligterink, via niels.ligterink@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 10 October 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Letter of recommendation

You can address your application to Dr. Niels Ligterink. Employment will take place at two locations: The University of Twente (UT, Enschede) and Delft University of Technology (TUD, Delft). The successful applicant is anticipated to spend their time approximately 50/50 between the two locations, where the first year is primarily at UT and the second year at TUD.

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.