Job FOM Institute AMOLF - Postdoc position: Force-probe studies of biologically-inspired multivalent interactions

In this project, the postdoctoral fellow will coordinate the construction of an optical tweezer/micropipette-based force probe setup and use this instrument to quantitatively study the interactions between solid surfaces functionalized with different kinds of designer 'sticky ends'.

The postdoc will start by coordinating the construction of an ultra-sensitive force probe setup that combines optical tweezer manipulation, micropipette aspiration, brightfield/RICM imaging and temperature control. After completion of the setup, (s)he will study various aspects of weak multivalent interactions, as a function of the bond properties (e.g. strength, length) and the number of bonds that is formed between the surfaces.

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.

Research
The goal of this research project is to quantitatively study the properties of reversible multivalent interactions in a highly customizable model system of solid particles and surfaces. 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 PhD in physics or a closely related field and with a strong drive to excel in a competitive international environment. The applicant should have affinity with quantitative (interaction) measurements.

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 years.
Your salary will be up to a maximum of 3,645 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience. The salary will be supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33%.
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