Iddo Heller

Dr. Iddo Heller is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, leading the Heller Lab focused on single-molecule biophysics. He holds a PhD in nanotechnology and quantum transport from Delft University of Technology and has pioneered methodologies combining optical tweezers with super-resolution microscopy. His work explores DNA-protein interactions, ice-binding proteins, and cryoprotection mechanisms. He has received NWO VENI and VIDI grants for his innovative research.

Education:

• MSc in Applied Physics, Delft University of Technology
• PhD in Nanotechnology & Biosensing, Delft University of Technology

Research Interests:

• Physics of DNA intercalation and structural transitions
• Mechanisms of ice-binding proteins in cryoprotection
• Single-molecule analysis of DNA repair/replication
• Development of advanced biophysical instrumentation

Key Achievements:

• Pioneered super-resolution microscopy in optical tweezers (2011 VENI grant)
• Co-developed STED microscopy with optical tweezers for protein-DNA dynamics
• Recipient of 2017 NWO VIDI Grant for ice-binding protein research
• Scientific advisor to LUMICKS B.V., advancing nanomanipulation technologies

Advising & Grants:

• Supervised 1 PhD thesis to date
• Active in interdisciplinary collaborations across physics, biology, and engineering
• Develops cutting-edge methodologies for biomolecular analysis

Labs & Teams:

• Heller Lab at VU Amsterdam focuses on quantitative single-molecule biophysics
• Collaborates with LUMICKS on commercial instrumentation development