PhD Position in Decoding the Microbial Nitrogen Cycle for Climate Resilience

About the Role

Help decode the microbial nitrogen cycle for a more sustainable future. As a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences at Delft University of Technology, you will combine experimental and computational approaches to uncover how microbial communities drive nitrogen transformations and influence greenhouse gas emissions. This research contributes directly to climate resilience by improving our understanding of microbial processes at the heart of the nitrogen cycle.

Responsibilities

• Design, set up, and operate laboratory-scale bioreactors to study microbial nitrogen transformations.
• Integrate experimental data with computational models to elucidate community dynamics and emission patterns.
• Analyse microbial community composition and function using metagenomics and/or metaproteomics.
• Perform bioinformatic analyses and scientific programming to interpret large datasets.
• Communicate findings through publications, presentations, and collaboration within the research group.

Requirements

Essential (Need‑to‑haves)

• Master’s degree (MSc) in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Systems Microbiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrable laboratory experience and a strong interest in the design and operation of laboratory‑scale bioreactors.
• An independent, self‑motivated, and curiosity‑driven mindset.
• Strong analytical skills combined with a scientific mindset and a hands‑on mentality.
• Excellent spoken and written English.

Desirable (Nice‑to‑haves)

• Experience with metagenomics and/or metaproteomics, including both wet‑lab procedures and bioinformatic analyses.
• Experience with Linux and scientific programming in R and/or Python.
• If your native language is not English and you do not hold a degree from an English‑taught institution, you must submit proof of English proficiency (TOEFL ≥ 100 or IELTS ≥ 7.0). Certificates older than two years are not accepted.

What We Offer

Doctoral candidates receive a 4‑year employment period, structured as an initial 1.5‑year contract with a formal go/no‑go assessment within 15 months, followed by a 2.5‑year contract upon satisfactory progress. The gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the fourth year (based on a full‑time 38‑hour week), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end‑of‑year bonus. You will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School, which provides an inspiring research environment, excellent supervision, a mentor, and a Doctoral Education Programme to develop transferable, discipline‑related, and research skills. TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, a monthly work‑costs contribution, and flexible work schedules. Relocation support is available through the Coming to Delft Service, including a Dual Career Programme for your partner.

How to Apply

Submit your application online no later than 7 September 2026. Please upload the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter (maximum 2 pages).
• Research statement related to the vacancy topic (maximum 1 page).

Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to provide contact information for at least three references. TU Delft conducts a knowledge security risk assessment during the final stages of recruitment; further information is available on the university’s website. Applications sent by email or post will not be processed. For more information about this vacancy, contact Michele Laureni ([email protected]).

Original vacancy