Infection Dynamics of Influenza Viruses

Updated: 3 months ago
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: 30 Jun 2024

15 Jan 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Research Field

Physics » Biophysics
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Belgium
Application Deadline

30 Jun 2024 - 12:00 (Europe/Brussels)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

A fully funded 4-year Ph.D. position in biophysics is available starting in 2024 at the Physics of Complex Systems and Statistical Mechanics Laboratory, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels (http://complex.ulb.ac.be ) working in collaboration with Dr. B. Mognetti.

We are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate to join our research team in the investigation of Influenza A Virus (IAV) infection dynamics.IAV virions interact with their environment through two membrane proteins: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA ligands form supramolecular bridges by binding sialic acid (SA) molecules tipping cell receptors and macromolecules in the intercellular milieu. Conversely, NA ligands limit the number of these bridges by cleaving SA molecules.  

This project aims to investigate how the affinity between the two types of ligands and the host receptors, along with the virion’s shape, affect the infection dynamics of IAV. Specifically, we will focus on the motility of IAV virions in the extracellular milieu and at the cell’s surface using theory and reaction-diffusion simulations [1]. The emerging motility of the virions will be used to parametrize cellular automaton models for virus spread dynamics.

Inspired by IAV virion mobility, we will also explore the design of synthetic molecular walkers featuring peculiar types of motions.

References: [1] L. Stevens, S. de Buyl, B. M. Mognetti Soft Matter 19, 4491 (2023)


Requirements
Research Field
Physics » Biophysics
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in numerical modeling, biophysics, soft matter, and statistical mechanics with some experience in numerical modeling. She/he will be fluent in spoken and written English.


Languages
ENGLISH
Level
Excellent

Internal Application form(s) needed
PDR_FRS-FNRS_2023_0.pdf
English
(215.76 KB - PDF)
Download
Additional Information
Website for additional job details

https://bortolo.matteo.mognetti.web.ulb.be/index.html

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Country
Belgium
Geofield


Where to apply
E-mail

[email protected]

Contact
City

Brussels
Website

http://www.ulb.be
Street

Université Libre de Bruxelles Campus Pla
Postal Code

1050
E-Mail

[email protected]
Phone

026505795

STATUS: EXPIRED

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