Eurizon.eu

Organization: University of Twente

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

Field: Physics

Requirements:

We seek highly talented, enthusiastic and exceptionally motivated candidates with a M.Sc. degree in (bio)physics or applied physics with an affinity for biological physics and biophysical chemistry. The candidate must have good communication skills. Fluency in English is an absolute requirement; the candidate must be conversant and articulate in English speaking and must have strong writing skills. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection process.

Abstract:

Research Recently the programme 'A single molecule view on protein aggregation' was granted by the Foundation for the Fundamental Study of Matter (FOM).

Description:

Research Recently the programme 'A single molecule view on protein aggregation' was granted by the Foundation for the Fundamental Study of Matter (FOM). This programme is a joint effort of the Universities of Leiden, Amsterdam and Twente, the Free University Medical Center, and AMOLF, and deals with the biophysics underlying protein aggregation. This programme aims to apply an array of innovative single-molecule techniques, augmented by selected ensemble and computational biophysics approaches, to yield an unprecedented molecular and dynamic view on protein aggregation. We will bridge molecular and cellular perspectives with well-controlled in vitro experiments complemented by innovative single molecule and super-resolution methods to follow aggregation interactions within cells. We focus on the human alpha-synuclein protein, which is implicated in Parkinson’s disease. Job description PhD position on 'Quantitative measurement and super-resolution visualization of oligomeric aggregate-membrane interactions'.Direct interactions of α-synuclein with lipid membranes appear to play a crucial role in the aggregation of the protein. The details of membrane-mediated physicochemical forces, and of the conformational dynamics and associations that trigger oligomer formation and influence oligomer-cell membrane interaction remain a mystery. We propose to study the essential biophysical aspects of the role of lipid membranes in modulating the earliest steps in the aggregation process and on the heterogeneous distributions of early aggregate species, and to shed light on the physiologically relevant interactions of oligomeric species with lipid membranes. In this project you will use single molecule fluorescence techniques to probe the phase diagram and discern the effects of protein modifications (disease-related mutations, truncations, phosphorylation) and of environmental factors such as the presence of metal ions on the structures and distributions of early aggregates and on their binding to membranes. Super-resolution imaging will be used to visualize sub-micrometer scale changes in oligomer localization and on membrane morphologies

Deadline: 30-04-2011

Contacts:

Link: http://www.utwente.nl/

Email: v.subramaniam@utwente.nl

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