Delft University of Technology
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Postdoc Fellowships – European Synthetic Cell Initiative (SynCell-nExUs Programme) Delft University of Technology in Netherlands
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Metabolism
Funding
20 fully funded 3-year postdoctoral fellowships in the first call; competitive salary in line with MSCA COFUND requirements; full social security coverage in the host country; applicable taxes and mandatory deductions included; additional allowances may be available, including a long-term leave allowance and a special needs allowance.
Deadline
Dec 31, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
Delft University of Technology
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About this position
SynCell-nExUs is a pan-European postdoctoral excellence programme focused on building synthetic cells from the bottom up. The selected fellows will develop their own research projects within one of four research lines: metabolism and energy, division and replication, information processing and evolution, or enabling technologies.
Fellows will join an interdisciplinary network of more than 50 laboratories across 22 research institutions in Europe, working with leading researchers on foundational questions in synthetic cell research and on translating cell-inspired understanding into new technologies. The programme emphasises collaboration across the network, with opportunities for visits and secondments as part of a personalised exchange plan.
Successful applicants will be hosted by one of the participating laboratories and embedded in the host lab while pursuing an independent project under the supervision of the local principal investigator. TU Delft is one of the participating institutions and co-coordinates the recruitment process, but the final host institution is determined by the selected project and recruitment outcome.
The programme is part of a broader European effort coordinated by the Max Planck Society in collaboration with the European Synthetic Cell Initiative. It is designed to support the next generation of researchers in bottom-up synthetic biology through a highly international and interdisciplinary environment.
Funding details
20 fully funded 3-year postdoctoral fellowships in the first call; competitive salary in line with MSCA COFUND requirements; full social security coverage in the host country; applicable taxes and mandatory deductions included; additional allowances may be available, including a long-term leave allowance and a special needs allowance.
What's required
Applicants must hold a PhD degree in a field relevant to the SynCell-nExUs programme by the call deadline; candidates who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet formally received the degree are also eligible as postdoctoral researchers. Applicants should have strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, be able to work independently and in multidisciplinary research teams, have excellent English proficiency, and possess good organisational and time-management skills. Applicants must also meet the COFUND mobility rule (not having lived or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the deadline) and must not already be permanently employed by the host organisation.
How to apply
Read the applicant guide and download the required forms from the SynCell-nExUs website. Submit one online application only, choosing one research area and sub-field, and indicate up to three potential supervisors. Do not apply by email or post; use the linked application portal before the deadline.
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the provider.