Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The position is available from August 2024 or later.
Title:
Protein interaction with nanoparticles – PhD project using ultrafast surface spectroscopy to understand nanoplastics toxicity
Research area and project description:
As a PhD student within SurfLab you will follow how proteins bind nanoparticles using surface spectroscopy. You will use femtosecond laser spectroscopy to follow how proteins bind, move and fold at nanoparticle interfaces. We have recently developed methods to use sum frequency generation spectroscopy and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy to follow how proteins interact with nanoparticles. With your help we we can address questions such as: How is the nanointerphase affecting protein folding? How are proteins moving at interfaces? Can particles induce refolding of proteins into toxic aggregates? Answers to these questions will help understand the toxicity of environmental nanoplastics, design new medical approaches and provide clues to food scientists and materials chemists about engineering biocompatible particle systems.
Researchers in our group benefit from several new femtosecond laser systems and the strong community of laser experts, biochemists and computer modeling experts at Aarhus University, who are supporting the project. Join a truly interdisciplinary environment and with close collaboration with our partners in the United States, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Germany.
The PhD project will be carried out within the NanoScat laser facility in a dynamic and ambitious research environment using excellent experimental instrumentation for surface analysis and nano-chemistry. Tobias Weidner will be the main supervisor.
The Ph.D. project involves collaboration with other students and post docs within SurfLab and NanoScat as well as international partners, providing the opportunity for international travel within the research project.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When - as here - you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
You are also welcome to upload your own project description (½-4 pages). This document should describe your ideas and research plans for this specific project. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found.
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a recent Master’s degree or a Bachelor´s degree and one year of Master´s studies within Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Nanoscience or similar.
The successful candidate has demonstrated excellent academic results. Prior experience with laser instrumentation is an advantage.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry
Langelandsgade 140, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Tobias Weidner, weidner@chem.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
