Job FOM Institute AMOLF - PhD position: Quantitative investigation of biologically-inspired multivalent interactions

Starting from existing recipes, the PhD-student will first synthesize and characterize the different model systems. (S)he will then study various aspects of weak multivalent interactions using modern microscopy techniques (e.g. confocal, fluorescence) and an ultra-sensitive force probe setup, which combines optical tweezer manipulation, micropipette aspiration, brightfield/RICM imaging and temperature control.

Research
In this project, the PhD-student will functionalize solid particles, surfaces, lipid vesicles and membranes with different kinds of designer ‘sticky ends’ and study their interactions, using an optical tweezer/micropipette-based force probe setup and modern microscopy techniques.

It is well-known that specific non-covalent interactions play an important role in many biological processes. Instead of forming a single strong bond, these interactions are frequently mediated by multiple weaker bonds; especially when the interaction occurs between extended surfaces (e.g. the cell membrane). Such reversible multivalent interactions can have unique properties. For example, they can give rise to strong adhesion, while still allowing for dynamic contacts that can rearrange themselves. Besides their biological importance, multivalent interactions are also highly interesting from a materials engineering perspective.

The goal of this research project is to quantitatively study the properties of reversible multivalent interactions in highly customizable model systems of solid particles and lipid bilayers (vesicles, supported membranes). These model systems are functionalized with DNA ‘sticky ends’ that are designed to selectively bind to complementary sticky ends on another surface.

We are looking for outstanding experimentalists with a MSc in physics, chemistry or a related field and with a strong drive to excel in a competitive international environment. The applicant should have affinity with quantitative (interaction) measurements and will preferably have some basic 'wet lab' experience.

When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM foundation, you will get the status of junior scientist.
You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits FOM offers. You will get a contract for 4 years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,610 euro gross per month. The salary will be supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33%.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with FOM.
A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of 10% of your time). 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.

FOM Institute AMOLF performs leading fundamental research on physics of Biomolecular Systems and Nano Photonics; two areas with key potential for technological innovations. The Institute contributes to knowledge transfer to industry and society and trains talented young researchers. AMOLF is located at Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and engages approximately 140 scientists and 70 support staff. See also http://www.amolf.nl

Supramolecular Interactions is a new research group at the interface of soft condensed matter physics, molecular physics, micro/nano materials science and biophysics, starting in AMOLF’s Molecular Nanophysics department as of January 2011. Among other topics, the group will study interactions and structures in soft matter and biologically inspired systems that are the result of multiple weak, preferably specific, non-covalent bonds. In particular, we want to acquire a better understanding of the unique properties of such reversible ‘multivalent’ interactions, their dependence on the individual bond properties, and their consequences for spontaneous self-organization and the macroscopic properties of self-assembled materials. To this end, we will use a combination of designer model systems, state-of-the-art force probe and microscopy techniques, and numerical simulations.

Dr. Mirjam Leunissen
Group leader Supramolecular Interactions
E-mail: m.e.leunissen@amolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20 75 47 308