Starting Date: from 1st November 2013 on
Duration: 18 months
Funding: German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Program: "Next Generation Biotechnology - Biotechnologie 2020+")
In the frame of the transdisciplinary project "Biomolecular Interaction Engineering" funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the newly created group of Dr Guillaume Delaittre is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to engineer proteins, particularly enzymes, in order to incorporate them into biohybrid nanostructured materials. Molecular biology protocols as well as direct chemical modifications are envisaged in order to stabilize the biomolecules and equip them with a wider range of surface chemical functionality, while maintaining their biological activity.
Interaction with a broad range of biologists, chemists, physicists, and engineers will be facilitated by the physical and scientific embedding of the research team at the transdisciplinary Institute of Toxicology and Genetics. Collaboration with the internationally renowned Polymer and Materials Chemistry team of Prof. Barner-Kowollik will be promoted through our joint weekly group seminar. Importantly, the KIT is a multidisciplinary research institute offering access to nearly all scientific equipment one can think of.
The applicants must have completed a PhD degree in Biology (or Chemistry). Prior hands-on experience with protein modification is a strict requirement. A successful candidate is mandatorily well-versed in modern protein biochemistry and characterization, e.g., gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, liquid (affinity or size-exclusion) chromatographies, UV and fluorescence spectroscopies, enzyme and antibody assays, light scattering. Ideal applicants also possess knowledge in enzyme kinetics. Although it is not a strict requirement, applicants who are familiar (at least theoretically) with analytical methods such as NMR, electron microscopy, and surface characterization techniques and have a background in organic and polymer chemistry will be in a good position. Some interest in materials-related research is welcome. A good level of English is essential.
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