Postdoctoral Position in Ethics, Governance, and Responsible Innovation of Synthetic Cells at TU Delft
The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is seeking a skilled and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the EVOLF consortium, a pioneering initiative focused on the responsible development of synthetic cells. The project aims to answer fundamental questions about the nature of life by building living synthetic cells from non-living molecules, combining expertise in biophysics, biochemistry, artificial intelligence, and directed evolution. As part of the EVOLF team, you will contribute to the development of governance guidelines and ethical frameworks for the creation and control of synthetic life, ensuring that scientific advancements are aligned with societal values and responsible innovation.
The research is highly interdisciplinary, integrating ethical, philosophical, and scientific perspectives to address the profound implications of creating life from scratch. The EVOLF project is at the forefront of synthetic biology and biotechnology, with the potential to revolutionize medicine, sustainable technology, and our understanding of biological complexity. The postdoctoral position is based at TU Delft, under the supervision of Associate Professor Lotte Asveld, an expert in ethics and biotechnology. Collaboration with other Dutch institutions and international partners is expected.
Applicants should have a PhD in a relevant field such as ethics, philosophy of technology, science and technology studies, or related disciplines. Experience or a strong interest in biotechnology, synthetic biology, or responsible innovation is highly desirable. The successful candidate will work in an interdisciplinary environment, engaging with scientists, ethicists, and policy makers to develop practical governance guidelines for synthetic cell research. Excellent communication skills and proficiency in English are required.
The position is fully funded, with details on salary and benefits available on the TU Delft careers website. The application process is online, and interested candidates should visit the official careers page for further instructions. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the intersection of science, ethics, and society, and to help shape the future of biotechnology and synthetic biology.