Delft University of Technology
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2 weeks ago
PhD Position in Decoding Environmental History from Microorganisms for Living Sensors and Memory Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Doctoral candidates are offered a 4-year employment period in principle, structured as two contracts (an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment, followed by a 2.5-year contract if progress is satisfactory). Salary follows the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement, from Promovendus gross per month in years 1 to 4, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Benefits include a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work c
Deadline
Nov 15, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
PhD opportunity at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in living sensors, microorganisms, machine learning, computer vision, biodesign, and interaction design.
This PhD project explores how microorganisms can encode environmental history and how that biological record can be decoded from images. The research aims to support future battery-less, biodegradable sensing systems that could replace disposable electronic dataloggers. The candidate will cultivate living organisms, characterize their visible responses to environmental conditions, build and validate computational decoders, and help design prototypes such as compostable smart packaging for monitoring temperature and humidity in food, vaccines, or archival documents.
The position sits at the intersection of the Knowledge and Intelligent Design group and the Materializing Futures group in Sustainable Design Engineering within the Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering. The project is explicitly trans-disciplinary and combines biotechnology, biodesign, applied machine learning, computer vision, computational biology, and physical prototyping.
Eligibility highlights: a Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biodesign, Design Engineering, or a related field; experience building and deploying machine learning or computer vision models; interest or experience in biodesign and hands-on work with living organisms; ability to conduct research with sound experimental design; and strong teamwork and communication skills. Publications and conference presentations are welcome but not required. English proficiency is required for doctoral study at TU Delft.
Funding and conditions: the PhD is a 4-year employment position in principle, with an initial 1.5-year contract and a follow-up 2.5-year contract subject to a go/no-go assessment. Salary follows the Dutch university collective agreement, with holiday allowance, end-of-year bonus, health insurance discounts, and a monthly work costs contribution.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026. Apply online through the TU Delft application button and upload a CV and cover letter. Applications by email or post will not be processed.
Funding details
Doctoral candidates are offered a 4-year employment period in principle, structured as two contracts (an initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment, followed by a 2.5-year contract if progress is satisfactory). Salary follows the Dutch Universities collective labour agreement, from Promovendus gross per month in years 1 to 4, plus 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Benefits include a customizable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work c
What's required
Applicants should have a Master's degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Biodesign, Design Engineering, or a related field. Required or strongly preferred experience includes building and deploying machine learning or computer vision models, technical competencies in bio-digital systems, biodesign, applied machine learning, computer vision, computational biology, and/or physical prototyping, and an interest in working hands-on with living organisms. Experience with sound experimental design, multidisciplinary teamwork, effective communication, initiative, publications, and conference presentations are assets. English proficiency is required for doctoral study at TU Delft.
How to apply
Apply online via the application button before 15 November 2026. Upload your CV and cover letter. Do not submit applications by email or post.
More information can be found here
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