We are looking for an enthusiastic PhD candidate who will investigate the exploitation of oleosomes as natural carriers of hydrophobic pharmaceuticals for oral administration. The PhD candidate should have an affinity for soft matter science and be motivated to apply this knowledge on natural materials. Furthermore, the student should be curious in understanding the molecular interactions in oleosome membranes and enthusiastic to exploit nature in order to design biobased functional materials.

The PhD candidate should have an independent attitude and an inherent interest in fundamental research that can lead to new applications.

Information on Objectives for this PhD vacancy
Oleosomes are natural oil droplets stabilised by a phospholipid/protein membrane and can be extracted from seeds or nuts. They have a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic surface and can potentially replace the engineered oil droplets. Additionally, the high permeability of their membrane makes oleosomes excellent absorbents and carriers of hydrophobic molecules sensitive to oxidation and hydrolysis. Currently, synthetic carriers are being used to protect pharmaceuticals during oral administration, however, their biocompatibility is controversial. On the other hand, oleosomes could be an excellent alternative to create biobased and fully biocompatible carriers.

Using of oleosomes as carriers require the investigation of their membrane at a molecular level. For this, advanced analytical techniques have to be used and developed. Oleosomes will be extracted from seeds and their membrane will be characterized for its molecular composition and elasticity. Moreover, the permeability of the oleosome membrane to hydrophobic molecules will be investigated and the fate of hydrophobic molecules during storage will be tracked. The oleosome membrane structure will also be modified in order to adjust its properties according to the needs. Confocal microscopy, transition electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, light scattering, DSC, GC, and LC-MS will be employed for this research project.

As a PhD student, you should be an ambitious, curious and enthusiastic scientist and a team player devoted to research in Biobased Chemistry & Technology. Ideally, we are looking for a candidate with experience in research on chemistry/physical chemsitry/soft matter.

You also have:

• knowledge and affinity with biobased materials like proteins and lipids;
• a successfully completed academic study (MSc level; recognized in The Netherlands) preferably on molecular science or physical chemistry of materials;
• excellent communication skills;
• proficiency in English (spoken as well as written). The selected PhD fellow should have passed for an English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFLL or IELTS) before the employment starts.

We offer you a temporary position for a period of 1.5 years with extension of 2.5 years after successful evaluation. Gross salary per month € 2266,-. in the first year rising up to € 2897,-. per month in the fourth year.

We not only offer a competitive salary but also good (study) leave and a pension of the ABP Pension Fund.

Wageningen University & Research

BCT is part of the cluster Biobased Sciences within the department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences. We integrate chemistry, physical chemistry, separation technology/chemical engineering and material science to enable innovations on sustainable design of novel biobased materials. We aim to deliver fundamental knowledge on efficient separation of biomasses, design of processes and building functional biobased materials to our academic partners, industry and society. We educate students to apply such concepts in their future carreers towards a biobased economy.

The Agrotechnology & Food Sciences Group is part of Wageningen University & Research, an organisation that brings together fundamental and applied scientific research. We work on creating 'healthy food in a biobased society' with private sector companies, research institutes and government agencies in the Netherlands and abroad. Our innovations play a crucial role in solving the major issues which affect society today. Entrepreneurship and professionalism are key in all that we do. In short, we are a major international employer offering considerable potential for your career.

Wageningen University & Research
Delivering a substantial contribution to the quality of life. That's our focus - each and every day. Within our domain of good and safe food & food production, food security and a healthy living environment, we search for answers to issues affecting society - such as sustainable food production, climate change and alternative energy. Of course, we don't do this alone. Every day, 5000 people work on 'the quality of life', turning ideas into reality, on a global scale.

Could you be one of these people? We give you the space you need.

For further information about working at Wageningen University & Research, take a look at:
https://www.wur.nl/en/Jobs.htm

Acquisition regarding this vacancy is not appreciated.