Postdoc Molecular Biology - Biofunctional Materials (m/f/d)

Postdoc position (f/m/d)

Molecular Biology / Biochemistry / Natural Sciences

Natural Sciences INSTITUTE OF BIOMATERIALS AND BIOMOLECULAR SYSTEMS | AS SOON AS POSSIBLE | E13 TV-L |

The Institute of Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems, Research Unit Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology, offers in the course of an interdisciplinary project as soon as possible a Postdoc position (all gender) (Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Natural Sciences; E13 TV-L) (for a period of three years).

Within the DFG-funded collaborative Project \'Virus-on-a-chip: Integration of plant virus particles with electronic chips for a label-free biosensing (ViroChip)\', our Research Unit Molecular and Synthetic Plant Virology (Prof. Dr. Christina Wege) investigates methods for an externally controlled self-assembly of novel RNA-protein bionanoparticles from tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) building blocks, their use as carriers for various sensor enzymes including product analyses, and immobilization strategies on technical supports. The partner lab for Chemical Sensors and Biosensors at the Institute of Nano- and Biotechnologies (INB), Aachen University of Applied Sciences (Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Schöning), integrates the enzyme-equipped TMV derivatives in field-effect biosensors, in order to improve and characterize their performance and to develop theoretical models of sensor functioning. Long-term goal are universal design rules for constructing a new class of advantageous biosensors for a wide variety of analytes, as tested for a set of relevant target compounds in the course of the project. The project offers opportunities for the creative development of literature-deduced novel strategies to exploit biological self-assembly in the fabrication of technically attractive, \'smart\' biofunctional materials. New concepts for the design of different enzyme-based \'real-world\' point-of-care sensors may be established collaboratively. Some work packages can be accomplished by help of jointly supervised B.Sc. and M.Sc. theses, which may enable the publication of intermediate results and an in-depth workout of further ideas. To this end, excellent communication and writing skills in English are important, and fluent German language advantageous. The project management and planning experience gained throughout the work is expected to prepare for careers in both research institutions and companies. Our contributions will be fully equipped lab and technical facilities, strong international contacts and an inspiring, pleasant working environment.

Major methods:

Molecular biology and biochemical/biophysical methods for isolating plant viruses, protein expression and purification, cloning, in vitro transcription, RNA and DNA preparation, modification and analytics, conjugation chemistry, enzyme characterization, light and electron microscopy techniques, some in direct collaboration with/at the INB. M.Sc. or German Diplom degree in Natural or Life Sciences, PhD/Dr. rer. nat. degree in Biology, Biochemistry or similar with convincing result; strong and profound knowledge of molecular biology and biochemistry, basic skills in bioinformatics and biophysics, in-depth practical experience in various molecular biology methods; the ability to work accurately, independently, and reliably in a well-organized manner; excellent communication skills, team spirit and work ethics; high motivation and enthusiasm for intense interdisciplinary collaborative work, direct interaction with students and scientific discussions. Previous relevant experience is a benefit. Further information may be provided by Prof. Dr. Christina Wege: apply.job.11530917@hokifyjob.com see also https://www.bio.uni-stuttgart.de/en/institute/team/Wege/ and https://www.bio.uni-stuttgart.de/en/molbio/.