Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Netherlands, is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Enzymology (Tungsten BioCatalysis) to join the Hagedoorn group within the Biocatalysis Section. This 1.5-year project-based position will focus on expressing, purifying, and characterizing tungsten-containing enzymes (W-enzymes) as part of the groundbreaking EU-funded W-BioCat project.
🔍 Job Details
| Title | Postdoc Enzymology – Tungsten BioCatalysis |
|---|---|
| Organization | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) |
| Department | Faculty of Applied Sciences – Biocatalysis Section |
| Research Field | Biochemistry, Biocatalysis, Enzymology, Catalysis |
| Researcher Profile | Recognised Researcher (R2) |
| Country | Netherlands |
| City | Delft |
| Contract Type | Temporary (1.5 years) |
| Hours per Week | 38–40 hours |
| Application Deadline | 30 September 2025 – 21:59 (UTC) |
| Salary | €3,546 – €5,538 gross/month (Scale 10, full-time, 38 hrs) |
| Benefits | Pension (ABP), flexible leave, 8% holiday pay, 8.3% year-end bonus, relocation support |
| Required Qualification | PhD in (Bio)Chemistry, Biocatalysis, or related discipline |
| Skills Required | Microorganism cultivation, protein purification, enzymology, kinetics, protein engineering |
| Language Requirement | Excellent command of English |
| Work Location | Mekelweg 5, 2628 CD Delft, Netherlands |
| Application Link | Apply Now |
About the Challenge
Europe’s chemical industry must urgently become more sustainable. The W-BioCat project, funded by the European Innovation Council, explores tungsten-containing enzymes (W-enzymes), which catalyze unique redox reactions not feasible at industrial scale. Success in this project could revolutionize green manufacturing for fragrances, flavors, and cosmetic ingredients.
Your Role
As a Postdoctoral Researcher in Tungsten BioCatalysis, you will:
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Express and purify W-enzymes from natural and engineered hosts.
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Perform enzyme characterization using advanced kinetics and EPR spectroscopy.
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Apply protein engineering to optimize enzyme function.
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Collaborate with an international, multidisciplinary team.
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Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at international conferences.
You will be a central member of the Hagedoorn group (Biocatalysis Section) at TU Delft, known globally for cutting-edge research in enzymology, organic chemistry, and molecular imaging.
Candidate Profile
You should bring:
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A PhD in (Bio)Chemistry, Biocatalysis, or related field.
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Experience in microbial cultivation and protein purification.
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Knowledge of enzymology, kinetics, and protein engineering.
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Strong communication and teamwork skills.
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Motivation to tackle complex research questions in sustainable chemistry.
Benefits & Support
TU Delft offers:
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Competitive salary (€3,546–€5,538/month).
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1.5-year full-time contract (with possible extension).
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Pension via ABP, 8% holiday allowance, 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
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Flexible working hours and individual benefits package.
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Generous annual leave (232 hours at 38-hour contract).
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Relocation and Dual Career support via Coming to Delft Service.
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Training and professional development opportunities.
Application Instructions
Apply no later than 30 September 2025 via the AcademicTransfer portal.
Your application must include:
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Motivation letter
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Detailed CV
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Course and grades list (Bachelor’s & Master’s)
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Publication list
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At least 3 sample publications or reports
Contact Person for Research Questions:
Dr. Peter-Leon Hagedoorn (Associate Professor) – [email protected]
Contact for HR Queries:
Bart Jan Schrijver (HR Advisor) – [email protected]
🔗 Reference Links
⚠️ Disclaimer
This summary has been prepared for informational purposes. Applicants should always refer to the official TU Delft/AcademicTransfer posting for the most accurate and updated details.
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