We are especially looking for ...

... PhD students that are interested in the following projects:

At the Institute of Bioelectronics (PGI-8/ICS-8) at the Forschungszentrum Jülich, physicists, chemists, biologists, and engineers perform joint research on the scientific principles of the functional link between biological components and electronic components. This collaboration has led to the development of platforms for microfluidics, micro- and nano-patterning, and electronic biosensors. These technologies are not only developed to understand biological processes, but also pave the way for their application in sensor technology and diagnostics. With the advertised position we are planning to strengthen our research efforts to understand the biophysics of neuronal information processing.

Job Description 1: Building an artificial synapse chip
The focus of this work is on the use of lipid bilayer membranes for creating suitable substrates for "artificial synapse" formation which will be later used to interface neurons with electronic chips. Here, synthetic cell surfaces are created by self-assembling proteolipid bilayers onto inorganic materials, which preserves key properties of the cell membrane, such as lateral fluidity and allows membrane components to move and assemble into functional complexes. Using this strategy, hybrid neuron–supported membrane can be developed which enhance neuronal development and adhesion.

Job Description 2: 3-D structures for intimate cell electrode coupling
This work will focus on the development of 3D micro- and nanostructures to enhance cell electrode interface. Here, 3D-micro-electrodes are fabricated using dedicated photoresist materials and electroplating. By surface-chemistry functionalization approaches using e.g. biomimetic peptides, cell-electrode interfacing can be optimized and signal transduction enhanced.

Job Description 3: Cytoskeletal dynamics and signal transduction of neurons
One further candidate deals with the signal transduction, cytoskeletal dynamics and intracellular trafficking of living neurons during early developmental processes (neuronal polarity etc.). Fluorescence life time imaging, FRET (fluorescence resonance recovery) and FRAP (fluorescence recovery after photobleaching ) are the techniques used for real-time detection and quantification of the biochemical reactions.

Your Profile:

• University degree in biosciences, physics, chemistry or engineering
• Ability to communicate with scientist and technicians from various disciplines
• Well-structured and systematic research approach
• Prior experiences in scientific publishing (during the university study or industry employment) are of advantage.

What We Offer:

• Multifaceted work in an interdisciplinary and international setting, as well as a cooperative work environment
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located close to the interface between Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany and with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech regions in Europe.

Please prepare all the necessary documents and submit your application directly to Prof. Andreas Offenhäusser.

For more information, please contact:

Email: a.offenhaeusser@fz-juelich.de
Web:  institute of Prof. Dr. A. Offenhäusser

Dynamics of colloidal particles and proteins - theory and simulation

Due: open until position is filled

Systems of charged colloidal particles or proteins with additional attractive (patchy) interactions have a variety of interesting dynamical and structural properties highly relevant to material science and biology. The PhD project deals with the exploration of diffusion and viscoelastic processes in these systems, using state-of-the-art theoretical and computer simulation methods which have been partially developed and advanced in our group. An important aspect of the project will be the modeling of the solvent-mediated many-particle hydrodynamic interactions. The work will be carried out in collaboration with experimental groups inside the ICS-3, the NIST in Maryland, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee.

We search for a highly motivated candidate with a master's degree in physics or a related subject and experience with computer simulations. Some familiarity with methods of statistical physics applied to soft matter or biophysical systems, and a strong interest in analytic-theoretical work is preferred. To apply, please send a full CV, copies of certificates, and a list of publications to the email address given below, and arrange for two letters of recommendation.

For more information, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Naegele
Soft Condensed Matter
Institut for Complex Systems (ICS)
Forschungszentrum Jülich
D-52425 Jülich

Email: g.naegele@fz-juelich.de
Web:  Prof. Dr. G. Naegele

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You are very welcome to apply for a PhD position using the regular application procedure of the school described  here, but you can also directly apply for the positions above that are currently free. In case of questions about these projects, please contact the scientist that offers the project and send the email as CC also to admission_biosoft@fz-juelich.de.