Senior Research Engineer in physical virology

Description

We are looking for a senior research engineer to the Department of clinical microbiology who will be working in the group of Marta Bally and support the research activities of the group in the context of investigating the effect of multivalency on the characteristics of virus-membrane interactions. You will contribute with expertise in atomic fore microscopy (imaging and single molecule force spectroscopy) and assist a number of projects requiring this method. In addition, you will be in charge of a project aiming at elucidating how different types of carbohydrates at the cell surface contribute to modulating initial interaction of non-enveloped viruses with the cell surface.

We offer an international, stimulating collaboration-oriented research environment, where your scientific development is promoted. The position is limited to two years but can be transferred to a permanent position. The position starts as agreed between the parties.

The project

Carbohydrates, in particular sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans play a key role in mediating the initial recruitment and accumulation of viruses at the cell surface. Virus-membrane interactions need to be tightly modulated and regulated to ensure an optimal attachment and diffusion of the virus at the cell surface, towards efficient entry. The aim of this project is to gain fundamental understanding on how the characteristics of different types of carbohydrates at the cell surface contribute to modulating the initial interaction of adeno, papilloma and polyoma viruses at the cell surface. Your studies will primarily rely on a comprehensive biophysical approach combining AFM-based force spectroscopy, single virus particle tracking by fluorescence microscopy and reductionistic models of the glycocalyx.

With this position, you will lead and develop the project

• You will plan and perform experiments, interpret results, and put these in a scientific context.
• You will present and discuss your research with other researchers within and outside the group, on national and international meetings.
• You are engaged in drafting and submission of manuscripts.
• You will participate actively in seminars and journal clubs and take courses to develop your knowledge and career.
• You will also supervise students on master level and participate in teaching on other levels.
• You will act in agreement with the university’s policy for equal opportunities and data protection.
• In addition, you will support ongoing research activities with helping researchers in the context of carrying out AFM-based experiments, both in the context of imaging or force spectroscopy.

Qualifications.

• PhD in (Bio)physics or related discipline
• Extensive postdoc experience working at the interface between physics and biology.
• Extensive hand-on experience with atomic force microscopy (both imaging and force spectroscopy)
• Fluorescence microscopy, including single particle tracking and TIRF microscopy
• Analysis of biomolecular experiences with surface-sensitive techniques (surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance)
• The preparation and characterization of cell-surface mimics, including surface immobilization of carbohydrates and working with supported lipid membranes.
• Additionally, the applicant should further demonstrate excellent communication skills in English, both in oral and written form.
• You should have documented supervision of students on the undergraduate level and be able to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• An excellent understanding of the potential and principle of biophysical tools to probe virus-membrane interactions is an additional merit.

The application must contain

Documents that are sent electronically must be in word of pdf format.

Other information

Full time position, 24 months, start after agreement.

For questions, contact; Marta Bally. E-mail [email protected]

The application must be made electronically

Last day to apply is 17 September