PhD in Metabolic Engineering for Cultivated Meat — TU Delft

About the Role

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in Metabolic Engineering for Cultivated Meat within the Flack group, part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences. This 4-year project aims to overcome key limitations in cultivated meat production by reprogamming the metabolism of bovine satellite cell lines. You will develop genetic tools to improve carbon-substrate efficiency and enable de novo synthesis of expensive medium components, contributing to scalable, cost-effective, and cruelty-free meat. The research is funded by the Cellular Agriculture Netherlands Open Calls Programme and involves collaboration with industry and external experts.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement metabolic engineering strategies in bovine satellite cells.
• Develop and apply molecular biology and gene-editing tools (e.g., CRISPR/Cas).
• Characterize engineered cell lines for improved metabolic phenotypes.
• Direct your own research projects within the broad scope of the programme.
• Supervise MSc and BSc students in the laboratory.
• Collaborate with industrial partners and present results to diverse audiences.
• Contribute to a friendly, collaborative group environment.

Requirements

• MSc degree in cell biology, biotechnology, or a related biological sciences field (essential).
• Prior laboratory experience in molecular biology, cloning, and genetic manipulation (essential).
• Experience with gene editing and/or cell engineering (e.g., CRISPR/Cas) is highly desirable.
• Experience with animal cell culture is desirable but not required.
• Strong interest in metabolism and cellular agriculture/cultivated meat (essential).
• Excellent collaboration, communication, and writing skills.
• Proactive, reflective, and results-driven attitude.

What We Offer

• Employment for 4 years (initial 1.5-year contract with a go/no-go assessment at 15 months, followed by a 2.5-year contract upon positive evaluation).
• Salary from €3,059 to €3,881 gross per month (full-time, 38 hours/week) under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Enrolment in the TU Delft Graduate School with a dedicated mentor and Doctoral Education Programme.
• Customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and monthly work costs contribution.
• Flexible work schedules and relocation support via the Coming to Delft Service, including a Dual Career Programme for accompanying partners.
• Access to a dynamic department with broad expertise in biotechnology and synthetic biology.

How to Apply

Submit your application online by 2 August 2026. Include a CV (max. 3 pages) and a cover letter (max. 2 pages) that clearly outlines your past molecular biology experience. Address your application to Dr. Joshua Flack.

Shortlisted candidates will complete a short task during the week of 3 August 2026. If you cannot be available that week, apply by 19 July 2026 and contact Dr. Flack to arrange alternative arrangements.

Applications by email or post will not be processed. English proficiency at the level required for the TU Delft Graduate School is expected. A knowledge security risk assessment may be conducted at the final stage of selection.

Original vacancy