PhD Position Structural Biology of the Neuronal Synapse at TU Delft

Join us in unravelling the complexities of the brain by cryo-EM/ET imaging of reconstituted synapses

Job description

A 4-year position is available for a PhD candidate in the research group of Dimphna Meijer, Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

The long-term goal of our research is to understand synapse assembly and disassembly at the molecular level, during health and disease. We address questions such as: What is the underlying structural basis of synapse formation? What happens at the nanoscale in a diseased brain? We have recently determined several cryo-EM structures of synaptic cell adhesion molecules that together reveal part of a molecular recognition code. In this project, we take a bottom-up approach to study synapse assembly: we will reconstitute minimal, well-controlled synaptic contacts and subject them to detailed structural characterization using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), and complementary light microscopy methods.

Specific objectives are:

• Setting up cryo-ET FIB SEM workflow for reconstituted synapses
• Visualize nanoscale architecture of reconstituted synapses
• High-resolution structure determination of synaptic CAM pairs
• Confirmative structure-function studies in primary neurons

The successful applicant will be the driver of the project and aim for detailed structural characterization of synapse assembly with a bottom-up approach. State-of-the-art equipment, including high-end light and (cryo-)electron microscopes, as well as advanced mammalian cell culture facilities are available in our department. 

We are an international team of multidisciplinary scientists. We aim for a high-impact, supportive environment, where talented people work together to solve neurobiological questions. 

Job requirements 

We are looking for a highly motivated and goal-oriented researcher that is willing to take on new challenges. The candidate has a M.Sc. degree in nanobiology, biochemistry/biophysics, structural biology, or related field. The ideal applicant has experience with electron microscopy or structural biology approaches, and is interested in applying cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to neurobiological questions. Cryo-EM/Cryo-ET experience is a strong plus but not required. The candidate should be fluent in English and motivated to work in an ambitious and collaborative research team.

Submission is possible until: 16 Mar 2026

Read the full job description here.