Phd Position on Biophysics of microparticle-cell binding dynamics and subsequent cell activation

PhD topic

Living cells interact with their biochemical and mechanical microenvironment. The activation of cells upon binding to substrates is highly important for a large number of basic and applied disciplines such as cell biology, biophysics, biomedical engineering and medical diagnostics. In this project, you will investigate cell-surface interactions by measuring the dynamics of binding between small microparticles and living cells and by measuring the subsequent cellular response. The microparticles will be coated with supramolecular polymers with incorporated polypeptides to address specifically triggered cell activation processes. You will use and develop advanced optical micromanipulation techniques such as single-beam and holographic optical tweezers to induce particle-cell binding. In combination with live-cell

microscopy, you will measure the binding dynamics and the subsequent cellular response.

Framework

This work is a joint project in collaboration with the group of Prof. Bert Meijer within the framework of the Graduate Program of the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) at the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The ICMS is a new interdisciplinary initiative at TU/e which aims at bringing excellent researchers from different areas together to promote cross-breeding of ideas across departments and across disciplines to study complex molecular systems. The ICMS involves researchers working in physics, biology, mathematics, chemistry, chemical engineering and mechanical engineering. The ICMS offers highly talented PhD students a challenging interdisciplinary program within the Graduate Program Complex Molecular Systems, aiming at a career in research. This is combined with a strong specialization within one of the departments of TU/e – in this case the department of Applied Physics.

Requirements

You should have a Master degree in Physical Sciences or a related discipline and a strong interest in biophysics and optics.  Experience in optics, microscopy, digital image processing or programming are desirable. You should be fluent in English and you should enjoy working in a multinational and multidisciplinary group of scientists.

Employment Conditions

The appointment is for four years. You will be an employee of the university with a competitive salary as well as excellent secondary benefits (holiday allowance, etc.). The research in this project must be concluded with the attainment of a PhD degree. A salary is offered starting at 28,498.- Euro per annum in the first year and increasing up to 36,453.- Euro per annum in the last year. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given.  TU/e offers you also the opportunity for personal development by developing your social and communication skills. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program and an excellent addition to your scientific education (Proof program).

Further information

Dr. Holger Kress, h.s.kress@tue.nl, +31 40 247 4380
Prof. Dr. Menno Prins, m.w.j.prins@tue.nl, +31 40 247 4018

Application procedure

Please upload a detailed curriculum vitae, an explanation of your interest in the proposed research topic, a publication list if applicable, your course program and corresponding grades, a list of 1-2 potential references and all other information that might be relevant to your application. Please use the vacancy website of TU/e athttp://jobs.tue.nl/en/vacancies.html  and the vacancy number: V34.1318.

Consideration of the candidates will begin immediately until the position is filled.

Apply now