Early Stage Researcher (ERS, PhD student for a MSCA-ITN project)

For the EU-funded MSC-ITN project on the topic “Application of motor proteins and microtubules as molecular explorers” the Center for Molecular Bioengineering (B CUBE), the Chair of BioNanoTools offers a position as

Research Associate / Early Stage Research

starting 1^st of September 2020 for 36 months. The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG).

The project is funded by the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA CURIE Innovative Training Network (ITN) Artificial Molecular Machines (ArtMoMa) within the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission [https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/224720]. ITN ArtMoMa, a consortium of 20 partners composed of high profile universities, research institutions and companies located in 8 European countries, will train 15 ESRs (doctoral students) in a highly innovative and interdisciplinary scientific network. Scientifically, ITN ArtMoMa will explore ways in which controlled mechanical movements of molecules can be orchestrated and used in nanoscale systems. It will extend scientific boundaries and explore entirely new directions of fundamental research towards technologically relevant implementations, for example in the fields of medical treatment, material design, and energy conversion.

The particular project (ESR n°14) carried out in the research group of Prof. Stefan Diez at B CUBE (http://www.tu-dresden.de/bcube/diez, please feel welcome to contact stefan.diez@tu-dresden.de for further information), will employ biomolecular motors and cytoskeletal filaments to design and demonstrate novel methods for molecular diagnostics and nanooptics. The ATP-driven motility of the microtubules, acting as self-propelled molecular shuttles, will thereby replace the microfluidic systems inherent to conventional detection systems. This allows the miniaturisation of the device and renders its future applicability as point-of-care sensor possible.

Tasks: biochemical preparation of functionalised molecular motors and cytoskeletal filaments; setup of gliding motility assays in microfluidic lab-on-chip environments; dynamic image acquisition by high-resolution fluorescence microscopy; quantitative image processing and data analysis.

Requirements: university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry or (bio)nanoengineering. Applicants should be ambitious, curious, creative, energetic and bright minds with a strong eagerness to take part in the research and training activities of this project and have excellent English skills. Candidates will be integrated in an international multi-disciplinary team and shall therefore have excellent personal skills and be able to work in a team. Applicants may be of any nationality. At the date of recruitment, the applicant must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment. Applicants must, at the date of recruitment, have NOT yet been awarded the doctoral degree and have to be in the first 4 years (full time equivalent) of their research career.

The position will be located in Dresden, Germany. Secondments to international partner groups are envisioned. The ESR will receive a salary according to MCSA regulation, including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if eligible). Applications from women are particularly welcome. The same applies to people with disabilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The position is full-time and available for 36 months. The ESR will receive a salary, including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and a family allowance (if eligible, will be determinated at the date of the first recruitment in the action).

A career development plan for the ESR will be prepared in accordance with his/her supervisor and will include training, planned secondments and outreach activities in partner institutions of the network.

The key tasks of the ESR are: (i) to manage and carry out research projects, (ii) to attend and participate in research and training activities within the ArtMoMa network and local courses, (iii) to write scientific articles and a PhD thesis, (iv) to teach and disseminate research in the scientific community.