4 PhD/Post doc positions on Building a Synthetic Cell and Biophysics of Membrane transport

Organization

The University of Groningen provides an excellent environment for top-notch research in the field of biomolecular sciences. In the framework of a national program on the construction of a synthetic cell, 4 PhD/Post doc positions are available in the Membrane Enzymology group of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

The building of a synthetic cell is a great scientific and intellectual challenge for biophysicists, biochemists, and biologists. We aim to take on this challenge in the context of the NWO Gravitation Program BaSyC. We will combine biomolecular building blocks to create an autonomous self-reproducing cell - a synthetic cell that can sustain itself, grow, replicate and divide.

The characterization of membrane transport mechanism is intimately associated with the aim of building a synthetic cell. Small molecule transport is essential for maintaining out-of-equilibrium compartmentalization, an inherent characteristic of life. In the context of an NWO TOP program, we aim to characterize membrane transporter at the single-molecule and single-liposome level.

4 PhD and Post doc positions are available for experimental research: (i) to experimentally reconstruct metabolism for cell fuelling, with the ability to produce energy carriers and molecular building blocks; (ii) to build pathways that are responsible for the biosynthesis of lipids and macromolecules and integrate these pathways into a synthetic cell; (iii) to establish single molecule transport assays, and build devices to measure transport across membranes of single liposomes.

Requirements

The most important criteria are enthusiasm, excellence, commitment to research and team spirit. Educational background preferably in the area of bioengineering, biochemistry and biophysics, (see Job descriptions) .

• Candidates for a PhD position need to have completed a European Master’s degree or equivalent prior to the application deadline. Post doc candidates need to have completed their PhD.
• Excellent proficiency in English language.

Apply

Salary will be commensurate with experience (and type of position: PhD or Post doc) and is in addition to a generous fringe benefit package.

To apply for one of the positions, please fill out the application form and attach a CV including a brief description of your research interests and accomplishments, and include two letters of recommendation from former advisors/professors . Correspondence to be addressed to Prof. Bert Poolman ( BaSyC rug.nl ). You can apply for a position until April 15^th, 2019

For information about the research group: https://www.rug.nl/research/membrane-enzymology/

Job descriptions

Prof. Bert Poolman, Membrane Enzymology ( b.poolman rug.nl )

Prof. Dirk-Jan Slotboom, Structural Membrane Biology ( d.j.slotboom rug.nl )

We will design and synthesize vesicle systems for metabolic energy generation (ATP and electrochemical ion gradients) and equip them with mechanisms for cellular homeostasis (control of pH, ionic strength, redox state). A further challenge will be to connect the energy conservation with ATP- and ion gradient-dependent reactions of the synthetic cells, including the uptake of sufficient nutrients and excretion of reaction products, the synthesis of cell components (lipids), and the initiation of cell division. The vesicles will be equipped with fluorescence-based sensors to obtain quantitative data about the performance of the cells (fluxes, physiochemical conditions, volume), including measurements with single vesicle resolution. We have different projects for which expertise in protein chemistry, membrane biology, microfluidics, advanced microscopy (including data analysis) and metabolic modelling is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a background in biophysics. PhD and Post doc candidates will closely collaborate with colleagues in other teams to bridge the multidisciplinary challenges both in experimental work and theory.

Application form

Vacancies BaSyC