Postdoctoral researcher Nanoscopy of Ice-Binding Proteins

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), Netherlands

Updated: 3 months ago
Job Type: Temporary
Deadline: 02 Dec 2022

  • Can't wait to do single molecule tracking on ice-cold and crystal-clear interfaces?
  • Are you fascinated by ice crystal growth?
  • Would you like to know more about antifreeze proteins and cryobiology?
  • Do you master super-resolution microscopy?
  • Are you passionate about science?
  • Do you want to work in a multidisciplinary team?

    • Ice-binding proteins (IBPs) offer protection against freezing to sustain life at subzero temperatures in ice-laden environments. How IBPs work exactly is not yet known, but it is clear that their activity is closely related to the way in which IBPs interact with ice. Recently, we adopted sub-zero nanoscopy to study for the first time the interfacial dynamics of ice-bound IBPs at the single molecule level (see preprint for more information). These pioneering experiments offer unprecedented insight in the structure-activity relations of IBPs. In this project you will use subzero nanoscopy to study the interaction with ice of biological IBPs and (de novo) designed ice-binders at the single molecule level aiming to better understand how biological and (bio)synthetic antifreezes block ice growth, shape ice crystals, inhibit ice recrystallization and control ice nucleation. You will work in close collaboration with other group members, who design and prepare biological and (bio)synthetic IBPs and explore their application potential in cardiomyocyte preservation. Our aim is to unravel how biological and engineered ice-binders function and to customize these cryoprotectants for biomedical and other applications.


    View or Apply

    Similar Positions