Wilhelm Huck

Radboud University is recruiting two postdoctoral researchers for Two Postdoc Positions on Synthetic Cells within the Faculty of Science in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. The positions sit in Prof. Wilhelm Huck’s group at the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) and are part of the European Propel consortium, which aims to advance sustainable bio-manufacturing through synthetic cells. The project combines bottom-up synthetic biology, cell-free gene expression, liposome engineering, active learning, AI/machine learning, and high-throughput experimentation to develop synthetic cells that can produce valuable products from waste streams. The research focus is on building a design-build-test-learn pipeline for synthetic cells capable of sustained protein production. You will integrate liquid-handling robotics and high-speed microscopy with computational approaches to screen libraries of novel phospholipids, produce stable liposomes, encapsulate cell-free expression systems, and optimise both yield and robustness. The resulting synthetic cells are intended to support consortium-wide applications such as plastic waste degradation and conversion of waste products into valuable biomaterials and biocatalysts. The role is best suited to candidates with a PhD in synthetic biology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline. Prior practical experience with cell-free gene expression systems and/or liposomes is explicitly mentioned, as is familiarity with Python and Bayesian optimisation. The post also calls for strong teamwork, a multidisciplinary mindset, an excellent publication record, and fluent spoken and written English. The appointment is a temporary 1-year employment contract with the prospect of extension for another 1 or 2 years. The advertised salary is €3,706 to €5,760 gross per month (salary scale 10, based on a 38-hour week), plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Additional benefits include extra leave, flexible working arrangements, working from home options, training opportunities, and employee discounts on sports and cultural activities. The application deadline is 15 October 2026 , and the preferred start date is 1 November 2026 . Applications are submitted online via the vacancy page; candidates are asked to address their letter to Prof. Wilhelm Huck . The university notes that applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found before the deadline.