Available positions/projects

We currently have 2 positions available!

PhD Position 1: PhD Position in STED Super-Resolution Microscopy of cell division (1.0 FTE)

Note: the deadline for application is 25 July 2026, 13:00 (CEST). Only applications through the RUG website allowed (this position will appear soon)

Key words: STED microscopy, cell division, biophysics

Job description

How do cells coordinate their nanoscale machinery to divide with near-perfect accuracy? Every time a cell divides, thousands of molecular components must work together with extraordinary precision to ensure that genetic information is distributed correctly. Despite the dynamic and crowded environment inside a living cell, this process is remarkably reliable. How is such robustness achieved? In the Molecular Biophysics group of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, a globally recognized research institute within the University of Groningen for nanoscience and nanotechnology, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to tackle this fundamental question using cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy. This fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Rifka Vlijm.What are you going to do?

In this project, you will use state-of-the-art Stimulated Emission Depletion Microscopy (STED) to visualize the molecular machinery of cell division at high spatial and temporal resolution. By combining advanced imaging with quantitative analysis in a highly interdisciplinary research environment, you will investigate how nanoscale structures organize, interact, and adapt to drive one of the most fundamental processes in life. This project is ideal for students interested in the interface of physics and biology, and who are excited to uncover the principles that enable complex biological systems to function with such remarkable precision. The work will involve mammalian cell culture, advanced fluorescence live-cell microscopy, development of automated experimental workflows, image and data analysis, and scientific programming. The Molecular Biophysics group is part of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Qualifications

• A MSc degree in biophysics. Depending on the specialization, a MSc in molecular biology, biotechnology/bioengineering, physics (optics) or equivalent certification also qualify (please provide transcripts during your application).

• A strong experimental background in microscopy, molecular biophysics/biology, or cell biology.

• Experience with python programming and cell culture will be seen as a strong asset.

• Capacity to think analytically and creatively.

• High motivation in pursuing academic research.

• Ability to work in an international team in a streamlined and professional way.

• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communicative and social skills.

• Fluent proficiency in English – written and oral (please provide a proof of English language proficiency during your application).

Your motivation letter is a key selection criterion. Please clearly explain why you are applying for this position and how your previous education and work experience align with the PhD project. Additionally, upload a minimum of two letters of recommendation relevant to the proposed work.

PhD Position 2: Revealing Selective Cellular Transport with Super-Resolution Microscopy (1.0 FTE)

Note: the deadline for application is 25 July 2026, 13:00 (CEST). Only applications through the RUG website allowed (this position will appear soon)

Key words: STED microscopy, nuclear pores, biophysics

How do cells decide what gets in and what stays out?

Biology seemed to have a simple answer: molecular transport depends on structure. Yet two remarkable cellular gateways have broken that rule. Join us to unravel how these unique protein-based filters achieve extraordinary selectivity—and uncover the fundamental principles that govern transport into some of the cell’s most important compartments. In the Molecular Biophysics group of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, a globally recognized research institute within the University of Groningen for nanoscience and nanotechnology, we are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to tackle this fundamental question using cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy. This fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the group of Prof. Rifka Vlijm.

What are you going to do?

The specific goal of this PhD project is to use, among others, STED super-resolution microscopy to visualize how transport is occurring in the cell to unravel the role of unstructured proteins as filters in cellular transport processes. The work will involve mammalian and yeast cell culture, advanced fluorescence live-cell microscopy, development of automated experimental workflows, image and data analysis, and scientific programming. During this 4-year project you will work closely with the other team members within this NWO funded consortium “Holey trap”, in the groups of Prof. Patrick Onck (project lead, Zernike Institute), Rifka Vlijm (Zernike Institute), Liesbeth Veenhoff (UMCG) and Cees Dekker (TU Delft), promoting an interdisciplinary approach to this challenge. The work is done in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials that is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

Qualifications

• A MSc degree in biophysics. Depending on the specialization, a MSc in molecular biology, biotechnology/bioengineering, physics (optics) or equivalent certification also qualify (please provide transcripts during your application).

• A strong experimental background in microscopy, molecular biophysics/biology, or cell biology.

• Experience with python programming and cell culture will be seen as a strong asset.

• Capacity to think analytically and creatively.

• High motivation in pursuing academic research.

• Ability to work in an international team in a streamlined and professional way.

• An integrative and cooperative personality with excellent communicative and social skills.

• Fluent proficiency in English – written and oral (please provide a proof of English language proficiency during your application).

Your motivation letter is a key selection criterion. Please clearly explain why you are applying for this position and how your previous education and work experience align with the PhD project. Additionally, upload a minimum of two letters of recommendation relevant to the proposed work.

MSc and BSc projects

We are always looking for talented Master and Bachelor students to work on the truly interdisciplinary research in our lab. Are you interested and do you have a background in (bio)physics, nanoscience, (bio)informatics, life sciences or a related area’s? Contact us to discuss possible projects and the involved methods and skills you can learn, while working on them.