PhD Students: Nanobiotechnology

10/17/2008

Description

The Nano-Bio Energy Conversion and Vectorisation Group at the CIC nanoGUNE Consolider Research Centre in San Sebastian is currently looking for 2 Ph.D. students who are interested in working in an inspiring international and interdisciplinary environment in the following areas:

(1) Nano-bio hybrid materials build from nanocrystals and photochromic membrane proteins. (Biophysicist / Chemist)

The proposed research should develop materials with desired energy transfer, photovoltaic and optical switching properties. The project will start from functional bio-adaptation and characterisation of nanocrystals followed by their specific tagging with photochromic membrane proteins. The major part of research will include detailed analysis of energy transfer processes on the nanoscale using the state-of-the-art biophysical characterisation techniques. The result is expected to yield the prototypes of nano-bio hybrid materials with applications in optoelectronics and photovoltaics areas.

(2) Nanocrystal conjugates for biodetection and diagnosis (Chemist / Biochemist)

The research in this promising area of nano-biotechnology will initially involve development of new approaches to stabilisation and encapsulation of different types of nanocrystals to make them stable in crude biological liquids and tissues. Stable nanocrystals will be further conjugated with capture and detecting molecules followed by their application to ultrasensitive biodetection and diagnosis in vitro and in situ. Accepted candidates will be also involved in preparation of nanocrystal-encoded polymeric microbeads, their bioconjugation and application to biodetection with the liquid state chips.

Recent work on the above research topics by the lead scientist of our team can be found in the following articles: Exp. Opin. Med. Diagnost., 2008, 2(4), 429-447; Crit. Rev. Oncol. Hematol., 2008, 68, 39-59; NanoLetters, 2007, 7, 3452-3461; NanoLetters, 2007, 7, 2322-2327; Angew. Chem. Intl Ed., 2006, 45, 2048-2052.

CIC nanoGUNE Consolider, located in San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is a recently founded Research& Development Centre with the mission of conducting basic and applied world-class research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, fostering training and education excellence, and supporting the growth of a nanotechnology-based industry.

Requirements

Candidates should have a degree in biophysics or chemistry or biology. Experience in optical microscopy and spectroscopy would be preferred but is not a prerequisite. Proficiency in spoken and written English is compulsory.

The candidates should be self-motivated, a team players, and wiling to learn new experimental techniques from biology and biophysics to nanoscale physics.

Applicants should forward their CV to:
Prof. Igor Nabiev
i.nabiev@nanogune.eu
Phone: +34 943 00 5383