Available positions

Recruiting institution: Zymvol Biomodeling S.L.

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Supervisors: Dr. Emanuele Monza, Dr. Joan Torras

Objectives:

1. Proteins and small molecules preparation. Structure-function characterization using available experimental data.

2. High-throughput screening of potential agonist, antagonist and inhibitor molecules.

3. In silico protein engineering.

Expected results:

1. Determine molecular parameters that correlated with properties to be improved.

2. Best small molecules selected to be tested experimentally.

3. Set of at least 100 TRP, MscL/MscS, ASIC proteins to be tested experimentally.

Secondments:

1. University of Teramo (UNITE). FRET measurements of membrane binding affinity.

2. Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). QM/MM-MD study of some agonist/antagonist in ion channels.

PhD awarding entity: Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC)

Qualifications: MSc in bioinformatics, computational chemistry, or similar.

Skills: Scripting, molecular dynamics, docking.

Experience: None.

Salary: 25,000 €

Other benefits: Health insurance.

Expected start day: July 1st, 2021

Recruiting institution: VIB-KU Leuven

Location: Leuven, Belgium

Supervisor: Prof. Thomas Voets

Objectives:

1. Design and characterization of TRP channel mutants with reliable and stable thermal response in the bio-relevant thermal range.

2. Expression and purification of selected TRP mutants.

Expected results:

1. Identification of TRP mutants with stable thermal response and large current amplitudes.

2. Purified protein of selected mutants, ready for insertion into membranes.

Secondments:

1. Zymvol Biomodeling S.L. In silico study of TRP mutagenesis.

2. University of Teramo (UNITE). Live cell imaging of TRPV1 ion channels.

PhD awarding entity: KU Leuven

Qualifications: Those beside of the general call.

Skills: Those beside of the general call.

Experience: Those beside of the general call.

Salary:

Expected start day: October 1st, 2021

Recruiting institution: University of Lausanne (UNIL)

Location: Lausanne, Switzerland

Supervisors: Dr. Stephan Kellenberger, Dr. Ivan Gautschi

Objectives:

1. Design and characterize ASIC1a and ASIC3 mutants with different pH range of sensing and with a sustained current.

2. Expression and purification of selected ASIC mutants.

Expected results:

1. Identification of ASIC1a and ASIC3 mutants with diverse pH dependencies, degrees of sustained activity, and current amplitudes.

2. Based on improvement of these mutants, production of mutants with the required pH dependence, a sustained activity, and high currents.

3. Purified protein of selected mutants, ready for insertion into membranes.

Secondments:

1. École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Protein expression and purification.

2. University of Warsaw (UW). Electrical properties measurements on planar lipid bilayers with ion channels.

PhD awarding entity: University of Lausanne (UNIL)

Qualifications: Those beside of the generall call.

Skills: Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques, electrophysiology and biochemistry of proteins will be an advantage.

Experience: Those beside of the general call.

Salary:

Expected start day: September-October, 2021

Supervisors: Enrico Dainese, Sergio Oddi

Institution enrolment: University of Teramo (UNITE)

Industrial Mentor: Dr. Catia Cerqueira (4Dcell SAS)

Objectives:

1. Protein stabilization into the lipid bilayer and development of specific synthetic membranes.

2. Expression and purification of selected membrane proteins.

Expected results:

1. More efficient binding of the selected protein on the developed nanosensors.

2. Ex vivo isolation from different cells of specific membranes for stabilization of the purified proteins.

3. Production and use of different unilamellar vesicles for membrane binding affinity studies.

4. Integration of the cholesterol sensing polypeptide with different supports (lipid bilayer and/or conducting polymer) to study the best options using also different systems to increase the signal.

Secondments:

1. University of Groningen (RUG). Membrane reconstitution and microscopy.

2. University of Lausanne (UNIL). Measurement of ASIC modulation by small compounds.

3. 4Dcell SAS. Training of organ on Chip.

Recruiting institution: University of Groningen (RUG)

Location: Groningen, Netherlands

Supervisors: Prof. Bert Poolman, Prof. Dirk-Jan Slotboom

Objectives:

1. Design and synthesis of vesicles systems with physicochemical control.

2. Expression and purification of selected membrane proteins.

Expected results:

1. MscL mutants with altered gating properties for fine-tuning of cargo release at acidic pH values.

2. Purified membrane proteins for synthetic cells with new functionalities.

3. Vesicle systems with ATP and electrochemical homeostasis by coreconstituion of a pathway for ATP synthesis and formation of an electrochemical proton gradient.

4. Vesicle systems combining energy homeostasis and cargo release via MS channels.

Secondments:

1. VIB-KU Leuven (VIBVZW). Electrophysiology analysis of ion channels.

2. Zymvol Biomodeling S.L. In silico study of MscL/MscS mutagenesis.

3. University of Warsaw (UW). Nanoscale visualization of ion channels in lipid bilayer.

PhD awarding entity: University of Groningen (RUG)

Qualifications: The candidate is expected to have a (research) master’s degree in biophysics, biochemistry and/or molecular biology, and a strong interest in biomolecular mechanisms. Have good teamwork skills, a “can-do” mentality, are perseverant and have excellent communication skills in English.

Skills: Experience of working with membrane proteins, membrane vesicle systems and optical microscopy is beneficial.

Experience: Experimental laboratory skills, preferably quantitative analysis of reactions and analytes, experience with optical microscopy (confocal and super-resolution imaging, smFRET).

Salary:

Other benefits: 4-year PhD trajectory, the University of Groningen funds an additional year of research.

Expected start day: September-October, 2021

Recruiting institution: Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Supervisors: Dr. Joan Torras, Dr. Elaine Armelin

Objectives:

1. Design and synthesize new biodegradable polymers with a functionalized surface supporting polymer-tethered and protein-tethered lipid bilayers.

2. Identify the relationship between polymer structure & lipid membrane composition to get more system stability.

Expected results:

1. Obtaining a functionalized free standing nanoperforated nanomembrane of PLA or other biodegradable and biocompatible polymers with a variable nanoperforation sizes.

2. Obtaining stable lipophilic tethering polymer to support specific lipid bilayers.

3. Identify a methodology to determine a planned obsolescence on the polymeric system.

Secondments:

1. University of Warsaw (UW). Stable planar lipid bilayer building.

2. University of Groningen (RUG). Preparation of vesicles with PLA skeleton.

3. 4Dcell SAS. Biodegradability study in novo testing platform.

PhD awarding entity: Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)

Qualifications: Master and Bachelor degrees in the following fields or similar: Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, Chemistry Sciences.

Skills: Scientific and technical skills to work in a laboratory of synthesis and materials characterization, dissemination and transferable skills necessary for the divulgation of the research results (good communication skills, oral and written), team work ability to integrate in a multidisciplinary and international work team, capacity to follow courses and workshops on scientific and complementary soft skills, readiness for international mobility and synergies with other research groups.

Experience: The PhD candidate should have:

- Experience working with polymers and biopolymers in a laboratory, particularly in organic synthesis.

- It will be desirable experience in characterization of polymers and biopolymers, such as spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman) and microscopy (optical microscopy, SEM and AFM analysis).

- Proficiency in English (accredited: TOEFL, Cambridge University, or similar)

Salary:

Other benefits: The candidate will gain a broad range training experience, through cutting-edge research activities:

- Enrollment to a strong and competitiveness PhD programme in Polymers and Biopolymers at UPC.

- Enrichment of her/him transversal skills by the integration in a multidisciplinary team at the Innovation in Materials and Molecular Engineering Group (IMEM-UPC).

- Impulse to her/his career development by means of several short-time mobility collaborations with international academic and non-academic institutions.

- Courses and training activities offered by an University with the recognized excellence in research (HR Excellence in Research seal from European Union).

Expected start day: November-December, 2021

Recruiting institution: Polytechnical University of Catalonia (UPC)

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Supervisors: Dr. Joan Torras, Dr. Francesc Estrany

Objectives:

1. Design and synthetize new biodegradable conducting polymers optimizing their electrical conductivity and biodegradability.

2. Obtaining novel polymeric conductive materials with high biocompatibility and conductivity, and low toxicity.

Expected results:

1. Development of flexible electrodes based on biodegradable conducting polymers and/or bioresorbable metals.

2. Integration of a sensor skeleton made of a nanoperforated nanomembrane and flexible electrodes.

Secondments:

1. Mecwins S.L. Building electronic circuits for sensor signall treatment.

2. 4Dcell SAS. Signal processing technology.

PhD awarding entity:

Qualifications: Master and Bachelor degrees in the following fields or similar: biotechnology, chemical Engineering, biochemistry, and/or biotechnology.

Skills: Fluency in typical work in the chemical laboratory, ability to organize work, ability to solve problems and typical practical difficulties in experimental work, proficiency in the English language, knowledge of the Spanish language will be valued.

Experience: The PhD candidate should have:

- Experience handling typical chemical and biotechnological laboratory instrumentation will be valued as a merit.

- Training in electrochemistry, polymers and/or materials science, will be valued as a

merit.

- Knowledge of the operation of a 3D printer. Work experience with this type of device will be valued as a merit.

Salary:

Expected start day:

Recruiting institution: University of Warsaw (UW)

Location: Warsaw, Poland

Supervisor: Prof. Slawomir Sęk

Objectives:

1. Identification of crucial factors determining quality and stability of planar lipid bilayers. These will include lipid composition, pre-modification of the supporting substrate, as well as conditions and the method of lipid bilayer deposition.

2. Reconstitution of the ion channels into the planar lipid bilayer with retained function of the protein. The method of protein insertion will be optimized and the bilayers will be characterized in terms of the molecular arrangements of the channels, morphology of the bilayers and their nanomechanical properties.

3. Evaluation of the ion channels functionality upon insertion into the lipid bilayer. Detailed electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical characteristics and analysis of the ion channel response under external stimulation.

Expected results:

1. Optimization of the planar lipid bilayer composition and structural features, which ensure high stability of the assembly and reliable nanomechanical properties.

2. Development of the planar lipid bilayers containing fully functional ion channels which activity can be triggered by means of physical or chemical stimuli.

Secondments:

1. University of Lausanne (UNIL). Training in electrophysiological methods of analysis of ion channels.

2. Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Preparation of PLA membranes for lipid bilayer immobilization.

3. 4Dcell SAS. Device preparation of cell microenvironment control.

PhD awarding entity: University of Warsaw (UW)

Qualifications: Master and Bachelor degrees in the following fields or similar: biotechnology, chemical Engineering, biochemistry, and/or biotechnology.

Skills: The candidate should hold or be about to obtain a Master level degree preferably in chemistry, physics, material science or related field, a copy of academic works such as papers or abstract of M.Sc. thesis will be appreciated, candidates should have good proficiency in written and spoken English skills, the ability to work both as part of a team, and independently, coupled with excellent communication, organizational and problem-solving skills; dedication and enthusiasm for experimental research, high technical skills, good laboratory skills, availability to travel for training events and research secondments.

Experience: The PhD candidate should have:

- Theoretical background in self-assembly, lipid bilayer membranes, transmembrane proteins.

- Experience in electrochemical and microscopic methods will be appreciated.

Salary: 2468,85 €/month

Expected start day: October 1st, 2021

Recruiting institution: 4Dcell SAS

Location: Montreuil, Paris, France

Supervisors: Dr. Patricia Davidson, Prof. Thomas Voets

Objectives:

1. Understand the principles of the sensors developed in the context of this initiative.

2. Conceive a universal platform based in microfluidics to mimic relevant biological environments with the objective to test the sensors developed in the context of this initiative.

3. Study the potential market and the market needs for this given platform.

4. Develop the bio-mimicking testing platform prototype.

5. Test the prototype in a relevant environment with the sensors provided by the project consortium.

Expected results:

Prototype of a testing platform for the sensors developed in this action bio-mimicking relevant cellular environments.

Secondments:

1. VIB-KU Leuven (VIBVZW). Thermodynamic analysis of temperature sensitivity of ion channels.

1. University of Warsaw (UW). Nanomechanical analysis of planar lipid bilayers on sensors.

PhD awarding entity: KU Leuven

Qualifications: Master degree in Engineering or Science, with a specialisation in Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biophysics, Biomedical Engineering, or any related subject.

Skills: Knowledge in cell culture, microfluidics, and biological sensors would be appreciated.

Experience: Prior experience performing benchwork in a research setting is necessary.

Salary: The ESR will be paid 3091,12€ (before taxes and deductions), and may qualify for family allowance (+500€).

Other benefits: Payment of 50% of public transportation.

Expected start day: November, 2021

Supervisors: Enrico Dainese, Sergio Oddi

Institution enrolment: University of Teramo (UNITE)

Industrial Mentor: Dr. Oscar Ahumada (Mecwins S.L.)

Objectives:

Application of the cholesterol polypeptide for in vitro cell imaging and collaboration on sensor integration.

Expected results:

1. Development of cell-live imaging techniques for visualizing the localization, organization and dynamics of intracellular cholesterol.

2. Collaboration for the validation of biosensors as novels tools measuring cholesterol & acidity in living cells.

Secondments:

1. Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC). Immobilization of a cholesterol polypeptide sensor in conducting polymer.

2. Mecwins S.L. Cholesterol determination using SCALA technology.

Recruiting institution: 4Dcell SAS

Location: Montreuil, Paris, France

Supervisors: Prof. Mael Le Berre, Prof. Olivier Français

Objectives:

Application of pressure, temperature and acidity sensors on animal model as proof-of-concept of biosensing.

Expected results:

1. Development of integrated electronics and telemetry within an implantable device.

2. Software for signal treatment of integrated chemical sensors.

3. Toxicity and biodegradability studies.

4. Validation of our implantable biosensors in animal models.

Secondments:

1. ESIEE. Instrumentation and electronics for biosensors.

2. AO Foundation. Animal testing of developed biosensors.

PhD awarding entity: Université Gustave Eiffel

Qualifications: Master degree in Electrical Engineering or any other related engineering degree.

Skills: Knowledge in electronics, microelectronics, data acquisition and signal treatment, knowledge in image embedded systems, micro-controllers, sensors principle and electrophysiology would be appreciated.

Experience: Have conducted experimental work in the framework of his/her bachelor and/or master.

Salary: The ESR will be paid 3091,12€ (before taxes and deductions), and may qualify for family allowance (+500€).

Other benefits: Payment of 50% of public transportation.

Expected start day: December, 2021