Project description
Crystallization of water into ice is lethal to most organisms and detrimental to many soft materials. Freeze-avoidant fish living in polar seas evolved to tackle this problem with an unusual coping strategy. They produce 'antifreeze' proteins that block the growth of embryonic ice crystals within a narrow temperature range known as the 'thermal hysteresis gap' enabling survival under extreme conditions. In this project you will design and implement single molecule imaging methods to unravel how antifreeze proteins work and to better understand the functionality of biomimetic polymeric antifreezes developed for materials science and biomedical applications.

We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with an MSc degree in Biophysics. The successful candidate has a solid background in biophysics and/or optical microscopy, as well as good communication skills, is fluent in English, and should have a strong motivation to do original, fundamental research in an interdisciplinary team. Experience with state-of-the-art microscopy, protein biophysics, crystallization, and/or microfluidics is preferred.  An interview and a scientific presentation are part of the selection process.

We offer a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious, multidisciplinary research team at the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) at Eindhoven University of Technology. Gross monthly salaries € 2222,- to € 2840,- in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Moreover, a 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. We also offer an attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, child care and sport facilities) and we can help you find accommodation. The candidate is expected to finish the project with a PhD thesis and disseminate the results through, publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences.