The general aim of the project is to prepare and study peptides and other molecules that self-assemble into tubular and fibril networks in the “out of the equilibrium” regime.
Description
The applicant will be involved in the preparation of the cytoskeleton of a minimal cell mimic. The research will involve the synthesis of self-assembling peptide building blocks and the biophysical characterization of the resulting ensembles. This project is part of an international project towards a fully synthetic cytoskeleton with self-regulating capabilities. The research groups involved are top-level scientists of the United States (Neal Devaraj) and Japan (Toshihide Takeuchi).
Requirements
We seek outstanding individuals with initiative, creativity and team-working ability and with a PhD degree in Chemistry, Biophysics, Synthetic Biology, Chemical Biology or Biochemistry.
Experience in peptide chemistry, self-assembly, microfluidics and biophysics will be highly considered.
Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are essential.
References
“In situ” Functionalized Polymers for siRNA Delivery”, Priegue, J. M.; Crisan, D. N.; Martínez-Costas, J; Granja, J. R.; Fernandez-Trillo, F.; Montenegro, J. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 7492-7495.
“Cellular Uptake: Lessons from Supramolecular Organic Chemistry”, G. Gasparini, E.-K. Bang, J, Montenegro and S. Matile, Chem. Commun. 2015, 51, 10389-10402.
“Montenegro, J., Vázquez-Vázquez, C., Kalinin, A., Geckeler, K. E., & Granja, J. R. Coupling of carbon and Peptide nanotubes. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2014, 136, 2484–2491.
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