Assistant Professor in Biophysics of Living Systems at TU Delft, Netherlands (2026)
Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands, has announced an exciting tenure-track-style Assistant Professor position in Biophysics of Living Systems within the Department of Bionanoscience and the prestigious Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft.
This Academic Career Track position offers an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to establish an independent research group at the interface of physics, biology, nanotechnology, and synthetic biology while contributing to one of Europe's leading research environments in life sciences and biophysics.
Applications are open until 30 July 2026.
About the Position
The Department of Bionanoscience is seeking an outstanding experimental scientist to investigate how molecular interactions give rise to biological function and cellular behavior.
The department's mission is to understand:
How life emerges from molecular interactions
The physical principles governing living systems
Mechanisms underlying disease development
Cellular processes at the nanoscale
Researchers combine:
Biophysics
Cell biology
Synthetic biology
Nanotechnology
Quantitative biology
to study biological systems ranging from individual molecules to complete living cells.
Research Areas
The successful candidate will establish an independent research program that complements existing strengths within the department.
Areas of interest include:
Single-Molecule Biophysics
Investigating biological processes at the molecular scale using advanced physical and imaging techniques.
Quantitative Cell Biology
Studying how cellular functions emerge from molecular interactions through quantitative approaches.
Synthetic Biology
Engineering biological systems and synthetic cells to understand fundamental principles of life.
Biophysics of Cellular Systems
Developing new experimental methods to probe, manipulate, and engineer living systems.
Researchers with innovative approaches that bridge physics and biology are particularly encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
As an Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator, you will:
Establish an Independent Research Group
Develop a novel and internationally competitive research program in the physics of life.
Secure Research Funding
Apply for prestigious grants including:
NWO Vidi
ERC Starting Grants
International funding opportunities
Build and Lead a Research Team
Supervise and mentor:
PhD candidates
Postdoctoral researchers
Technical staff
Teach in Nanobiology Programs
Contribute to the university's unique:
BSc in Nanobiology
MSc in Nanobiology
programs, which integrate biology, mathematics, and physics.
Contribute to Departmental Leadership
Participate in:
Academic governance
Research strategy
Educational development
Collaborative initiatives
Research Infrastructure
The Department of Bionanoscience offers access to world-class facilities including:
Advanced Imaging
Optical microscopy facilities
Single-molecule imaging platforms
Structural and Molecular Biology Facilities
Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM)
Mass spectrometry
Protein purification laboratories
Cell culture facilities
Flow cytometry platforms
Nanotechnology Infrastructure
Kavli Nanolab Delft cleanroom
Custom instrumentation laboratories
Researchers benefit from modern laboratory spaces specifically designed for highly sensitive physical measurements and instrument development.
Candidate Requirements
Applicants should possess:
Academic Qualifications
PhD in:
Biophysics
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Bionanotechnology
Or a related discipline
Research Experience
Relevant postdoctoral experience
Strong publication record
Evidence of research excellence
Scientific Vision
Candidates should present:
A clear independent research strategy
Innovative experimental approaches
Long-term scientific leadership potential
Teaching Commitment
Applicants should demonstrate:
Passion for teaching
Ability to inspire students
Commitment to educational innovation
Successful candidates will be expected to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (UTQ) within three years if required.
Academic Career Track
The position is offered through TU Delft's prestigious:
Academic Career Track (ACT)
Key features include:
0.8–1.0 FTE appointment
Structured academic development
Leadership training
Mentoring by senior academics
Progression pathway toward Associate Professor
The university expects successful candidates to develop toward an Associate Professor position within a maximum of eight years.
The appointment starts with a temporary contract that can be converted to a permanent position after successful evaluation within 12–18 months.
About the Department of Bionanoscience
The Department of Bionanoscience was established in 2010 and has become one of the world's leading centers for research at the interface of:
Physics
Biology
Nanotechnology
The department currently consists of:
19 Principal Investigators
International research teams
Strong interdisciplinary collaborations
Its research spans:
Single molecules
Cellular systems
Synthetic life
Biological complexity
The department is part of the internationally renowned:
Kavli Institute of Nanoscience Delft
which is recognized globally for excellence in nanoscience and interdisciplinary research.
About TU Delft
Delft University of Technology is one of Europe's highest-ranked technical universities and is internationally recognized for innovation in:
Biotechnology
Nanoscience
Engineering
Climate technologies
Health technologies
The university has more than 180 years of history and maintains strong international collaborations across academia, government, and industry.
The Faculty of Applied Sciences hosts over:
1,100 employees
150 principal investigators
3,600 students
Research areas include:
Quantum technologies
Synthetic biology
Nanotechnology
Life sciences
Energy materials
Salary and Benefits
TU Delft offers:
Competitive salary under the Dutch Universities Collective Labour Agreement
Pension scheme
Flexible working arrangements
Partial remote working options
Relocation support
Dutch language courses
English-language training support
Dual Career Programme for partners
International researchers relocating to the Netherlands receive extensive assistance through the university's Coming to Delft Service.
Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
Required Documents
Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages)
Detailed CV
Full publication list
Research plan (maximum 3 pages)
Teaching statement (maximum 1 page)
Applications must be submitted online through the TU Delft recruitment portal.
Email applications will not be considered.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline : 30 July 2026
- Interview Period : September 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the deadline.
Official Application Link
Why This Opportunity Is Exceptional
This position provides a rare opportunity to:
Establish an independent research group
Work at a world-leading nanoscience institute
Access cutting-edge infrastructure
Mentor future scientists
Secure prestigious European research funding
Advance toward a permanent academic career
Researchers passionate about understanding life through the lens of physics and engineering will find this position particularly attractive.
Final Thoughts
The Assistant Professor in Biophysics of Living Systems position at TU Delft represents one of the most exciting early-career faculty opportunities currently available in Europe.
With strong institutional support, exceptional research facilities, an interdisciplinary scientific culture, and a clear pathway toward academic leadership, this position offers an ideal platform for researchers seeking to make fundamental discoveries about living systems while building an internationally recognized research career.
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