Research positions
Web location http://www.fom.nl/live/english/positions/vacature.pag?objectnumber=96987
Postdoc position: Rheology of cell-inspired polymer networks cross linked by DNA
Research
Cells are compliant yet strong. They owe their unique mechanical properties to the cytoskeleton, a cross-linked network of stiff biopolymers. Recently, it has been discovered that mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton are exquisitely sensitive to the structure of the crosslink proteins.
Job description
This project asks: what are the implications of the architecture of the cytoskeleton for the design of novel materials? To address this question, we will create cell-inspired protein networks whose macroscopic viscoelastic properties are programmed on the molecular level by DNA-based cross links. The system will consist of actin filaments grafted with single-stranded DNA molecules that form cross links by specific base-pairing. The well-defined thermodynamics of DNA hybridization and well-known force-extension behaviour of DNA duplexes will facilitate a direct comparison of experiments with new theoretical and numerical models that we will develop in parallel. We will obtain new insights into the origins of cellular elasticity while at the same time learning how to construct smart, cell-inspired materials.
We seek two postdocs: an experimentalist who will work in the group of Gijsje Koenderink at AMOLF and a theoretician who will work with Fred MacKintosh at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Location
The Biological Soft Matter Group currently consists of 8 researchers, with a lively open atmosphere. The central research goal of the group is to elucidate physical mechanisms by which cells achieve their remarkable structural organization and (active) mechanics. For this we use (single molecule) fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers, and rheology. The research is very interdisciplinary, involving biophysics, soft matter physics, and cell biology. Students and postdocs are actively encouraged to interact with other groups within AMOLF through joint meetings and collaborations.
Requirements
The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science, ideally with experience in cytoskeletal biophysics or materials design using DNA as programmable glue.
Conditions of Employment
FOM prefers candidates who have been obtained their PhD degree abroad and who have not had more than two Postdoc contracts.
You will be employed by the FOM-foundation for a fixed period of 2,5 years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 3,546 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience.
The conditions of employment of the FOM-foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at FOM can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'FOM-sollicitatiecode' (in Dutch) applies to this position.
Contact
Dr. Gijsje Koenderink
Group leader Biological Soft Matter
Phone: +31 (0)20 608 12 34
Website
http://www.amolf.nl
Applications
FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
application@amolf.nl
Please quote vacancy # 0906.37
Please send your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.
Cells are compliant yet strong. They owe their unique mechanical properties to the cytoskeleton, a cross-linked network of stiff biopolymers. Recently, it has been discovered that mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton are exquisitely sensitive to the structure of the crosslink proteins.
Job description
This project asks: what are the implications of the architecture of the cytoskeleton for the design of novel materials? To address this question, we will create cell-inspired protein networks whose macroscopic viscoelastic properties are programmed on the molecular level by DNA-based cross links. The system will consist of actin filaments grafted with single-stranded DNA molecules that form cross links by specific base-pairing. The well-defined thermodynamics of DNA hybridization and well-known force-extension behaviour of DNA duplexes will facilitate a direct comparison of experiments with new theoretical and numerical models that we will develop in parallel. We will obtain new insights into the origins of cellular elasticity while at the same time learning how to construct smart, cell-inspired materials.
We seek two postdocs: an experimentalist who will work in the group of Gijsje Koenderink at AMOLF and a theoretician who will work with Fred MacKintosh at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Location
The Biological Soft Matter Group currently consists of 8 researchers, with a lively open atmosphere. The central research goal of the group is to elucidate physical mechanisms by which cells achieve their remarkable structural organization and (active) mechanics. For this we use (single molecule) fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers, and rheology. The research is very interdisciplinary, involving biophysics, soft matter physics, and cell biology. Students and postdocs are actively encouraged to interact with other groups within AMOLF through joint meetings and collaborations.
Requirements
The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or materials science, ideally with experience in cytoskeletal biophysics or materials design using DNA as programmable glue.
Conditions of Employment
FOM prefers candidates who have been obtained their PhD degree abroad and who have not had more than two Postdoc contracts.
You will be employed by the FOM-foundation for a fixed period of 2,5 years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 3,546 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience.
The conditions of employment of the FOM-foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at FOM can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'FOM-sollicitatiecode' (in Dutch) applies to this position.
Contact
Dr. Gijsje Koenderink
Group leader Biological Soft Matter
Phone: +31 (0)20 608 12 34
Website
http://www.amolf.nl
Applications
FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
application@amolf.nl
Please quote vacancy # 0906.37
Please send your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.