Delft University of Technology
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Fully Funded Postdoctoral Fellowships in Synthetic Cell Research – SynCell-nExUs Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Metabolism
Funding
The call offers 20 fully funded, 36-month postdoctoral fellowships in the first call, within a five-year programme offering 40 fellowships across Europe. Fellows receive a competitive salary consistent with MSCA COFUND requirements, including applicable social-security contributions, taxes, and mandatory deductions under the host country's legislation. Full social-security coverage is provided in the host country, with possible additional long-term-leave and special-needs allowances. The contrac
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
Delft University of Technology participates in the SynCell-nExUs European Synthetic Cell Initiative, a pan-European postdoctoral excellence programme coordinated by the Max Planck Society and managed with the European Synthetic Cell Initiative. The programme offers 20 fully funded, three-year postdoctoral fellowships in its first call, with hosting at one of more than 50 laboratories across 22 European research institutions.
Fellows will develop an independent research project in synthetic-cell research under one of four areas: metabolism and energy; division and replication; information processing and evolution; or enabling technologies. The work is embedded in an interdisciplinary research community focused on reconstructing essential cellular functions from the bottom up and translating this knowledge into nature-inspired technologies. Fellows receive supervision from a hosting principal investigator, participate in network activities, and may undertake research visits and secondments.
Applicants must hold, or have successfully defended, a relevant PhD by the call deadline. Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organisational, and time-management skills are expected, along with excellent English and the ability to work independently in multidisciplinary teams. MSCA COFUND mobility and employment eligibility rules apply.
The fellowships are fully funded for 36 months and include a competitive MSCA COFUND salary, applicable social-security coverage, taxes and mandatory deductions, with possible additional allowances. The eventual host may be TU Delft or another participating European institution, depending on the selected project and recruitment outcome.
Applications must be submitted online by 31 December 2026. Candidates may submit only one application, select one research area, and indicate up to three potential supervisors. Consult the applicant guide and forms at the SynCell-nExUs application page; applications by email or post are not accepted.
Funding details
The call offers 20 fully funded, 36-month postdoctoral fellowships in the first call, within a five-year programme offering 40 fellowships across Europe. Fellows receive a competitive salary consistent with MSCA COFUND requirements, including applicable social-security contributions, taxes, and mandatory deductions under the host country's legislation. Full social-security coverage is provided in the host country, with possible additional long-term-leave and special-needs allowances. The contrac
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD in a field relevant to the SynCell-nExUs programme by the call deadline; candidates who have defended their thesis but have not yet formally received the degree may also apply. Applicants need strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; the ability to work independently and in multidisciplinary teams; excellent English; and good organisational and time-management skills. COFUND mobility rules apply: applicants must not have resided or conducted their main activity in the country of the recruiting organisation or implementing partner for more than 12 months during the 36 months before the call deadline, and must not already be permanently employed by the hosting organisation. Each applicant may submit only one application in one research area and may indicate up to three potential supervisors.
How to apply
Consult the SynCell-nExUs applicant guide and downloadable forms, choose one of the four research areas, and submit one online application through the programme portal by 31 December 2026. Email and postal applications will not be processed.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.