Postdoc Computational Cryo-EM Method Development

TL;DR

Postdoc Computational Cryo-EM Method Development (Cryo-ET): Develop advanced computational methods for cryogenic electron tomography enabling visualization of molecular complexes in cells with an accent on image simulation frameworks and integrated experimental-computational workflows. Focus on designing physics-based modeling, optimization techniques, machine learning for tilt series alignment, 3D template matching, particle detection, and quantitative tomogram interpretation.

Location: Onsite at Jakobi Lab, hirify.global in Delft, Netherlands. Relocation support to the Netherlands available.

Salary: €3546–€5538

Company

Multidisciplinary team at hirify.global Kavli Institute of Nanoscience pushing boundaries in visualizing molecular processes in native cellular context using state-of-the-art cryo-EM/ET infrastructure.

What you will do

• Develop improved image simulation frameworks for benchmarking and guiding molecular probe design in cellular tomograms.
• Implement novel strategies combining physics-based modeling, optimization, and machine learning for cryo-ET image processing.
• Address challenges like tilt series alignment, 3D template matching, particle detection, and quantitative tomogram analysis.
• Collaborate with experimentalists to apply pipelines, interpret data, and translate methods into biological discoveries.
• Contribute to mentoring students and ongoing projects in a collaborative research environment.

Requirements

• PhD in computational science, physics, applied mathematics, bioinformatics, structural biology, or related field.
• Strong programming skills (Python, Julia, C++) with scientific computing, ML libraries, and HPC experience.
• Experience in image analysis or computational imaging, ideally electron microscopy or tomography.
• Demonstrated algorithm/method development in image simulation, optimization, or data workflows.
• Interest/experience in ML for scientific data and interdisciplinary collaboration with experimentalists.
• Clear and effective English communication in international environment.

Nice to have

• Experience with cryo-EM/ET data analysis (tilt series alignment, template matching, subtomogram averaging).
• Physics-based modeling or simulation of imaging processes.
• Familiarity with scientific software development.
• Peer-reviewed publications in methodological/computational contributions.

Culture & Benefits

• Friendly, collaborative, non-hierarchical environment with open idea sharing.
• Strong support for personal/professional development and training opportunities.
• 38-hour week, flexible working, 232 leave hours annually (buy/sell via individual budget).
• Excellent pension (ABP), health insurance discounts, partially paid parental leave, vitality program.
• Access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and world-class education contributions.

Hiring process

• Apply online by 8 May 2026 with CV and motivational letter.
• Selection includes knowledge security risk assessment based on provided documents.