2 PhD Positions in Structure and evolution of high-density protein systems

Project Description

High concentrations may cause the unfolding of the proteins from their native compact, soluble state into a more extended and insoluble state stabilized by strong intermolecular interactions that drive solidification and release of water (syneresis). The purpose of the proposed research programme is to study the poorly understood interaction between globular protein molecules in concentrated systems, where hydration is limited by lack of water. This will be done by studying the micro- and macro-structural rearrangements and concomitant changes in rheological and elastic properties when solutions of proteins are condensed towards the intended levels for high-protein foods. While the physics of dilute protein suspensions and their denaturation caused by poor solvent quality, salt, heat and enzymatic breakdown have been the subject of intense study, little academic attention has been devoted to concentrations at which there is a competition among protein molecules for

hydration water and conformational space. To understand the structure of a dense, high protein systems we will study how structural changes on a molecular level (nanometers) affect order at the supramolecular level (micrometers), as well as the structure and mechanics at the heterogeneous mesoscopic (> micrometer) scale. Getting to grips with the physics at each of these length scales presents a fundamental challenge that we address via an interwoven combination of theory and experiment, by adapting multi-scale models borrowed from soft-matter physics, and by applying a range of spectroscopic, optical and dynamical-mechanical techniques.

2 PhD students are sought for an international collaboration between the Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, the Netherlands (supervisors Paul van der Schoot and Alexey Lyulin), NIZO Food Research, the Netherlands (Hans Tromp), and the Department of Physics, University of Cambridge, UK (Athene Donald).

The 4 year project is aimed at elucidating the physico-chemical properties of highly concentrated protein solutions. One student will be performing theoretical and computational studies; the other will be an experimentalist.  The theorist will be based in Eindhoven, and the experimentalist in Cambridge. Some essential experiments will also be carried out at NIZO/Utrecht University.   

Applicants should be educated to Master’s Level in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science.  Applicants must be EU citizens due to funding constraints, and have grade averages ranking them in the top 5% of students. The positions are available from around the start of 2011.

Appointment and salary

We offer:

• A challenging job in an application-oriented theoretical group
• Excellent computational facilities
• A full-time appointment for four years (start date as soon as possible)
• Gross monthly salary from €2042 (first year) to €2612 (fourth year) in line with the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year allowance, a personal development program for PhD students (Proof program), and excellent sports facilities

Application

Please submit a motivation letter, a curriculum vitae, contact information of two or more references (including a research supervisor), and a copy of the MSc thesis and other relevant publications, if available, by using the apply button below.

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