31 Jan 2024
Job Information
- Organisation/Company
Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology- Research Field
Physics
Biological sciences » Biology
Chemistry » Biochemistry
Engineering » Biomedical engineering
Engineering » Chemical engineering- Researcher Profile
First Stage Researcher (R1)- Country
Germany- Application Deadline
11 Mar 2024 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)- Type of Contract
Temporary- Job Status
Full-time- Hours Per Week
38-40- Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?
HE / MSCA- Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number
101118430- Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?
No
Offer Description
The PlasmACT network brings together 5 beneficiaries and 10 associated partners, located in 5 different countries (Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg). Eight Doctoral candidates will enjoy a multi-disciplinary and international environment with plenty of training opportunities and exchange with all institutions involved in the network.
Scientific Background:
The quality of human (and veterinary) health care systems substantially depends on key innovations. Often, these were driven by the field of physics, followed by interdisciplinary and inter-sectorial actions in engineering, chemistry, biology, and medicine. By using beyond state-of-the-art plasma multijet technology, the primary technical objective of PlasmACT is to support skin cancer prevention by medical gas plasma therapy of Actinic Keratosis
DC1: Membrane lipid modifications and dynamics as critical determinants of plasma-mediated biological activity and toxicity
Description: The project assesses the biochemistry aspects of gas plasma treatment in actinic keratosis. This includes the analysis of protein expression and post-translational modifications, including oxidative modifications, of in vitro cultured cells obtained by this DC as well as specimens from animal experiments and patients obtained by other PlasmACT DCs. The research aspects potentially extend to immunopeptidomics analysis. Technically, the main method to be employed is ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the project tasks the entire mass spectrometry workflow from sample generation, sample preparation, sample acquisition, and sample analysis. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master of Science in Biochemistry or Master of Engineering
- Mass spectrometry analysis, the main type of experiment in this project, requires a strong affinity to computer processes, software operation, and large data handling. Programming skills are an asset but are not required.
Supervisor: Prof. Sander Bekeschus
Institution: Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), ZIK plasmatis
Application deadline: 11.03.2024
Expected starting date: June 2024
DC2: Molecular biology, cell death and signaling in plasma-treated actinic keratosis malignant keratinocytes
Description: The project assesses cell biology aspects of gas plasma treatment in actinic keratosis, mainly in several cell lines investigated in vitro. This includes the analysis of various parameters linked to cell viability and metabolism, and investigating the specific mode of cell death following gas plasma exposure. For this, quantitative microscopy based on high-content imaging as well as multi-color flow cytometry are utilized next to molecular biology tools. In addition, hallmarks of inflammation damage-associated molecular patterns that can potentially affect immune cells are investigated. This project will aid in cell biology and inflammatory tissue analysis obtained from other PlasmACT DCs. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master of Science in Biology or similar
Supervisor: Prof. Sander Bekeschus
Institution: Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP), ZIK plasmatis
Application deadline: 30.04.2024
Expected starting date: 01.09.2024
DC3: Designing and engineering of a plasma jet for plasma medicine
Description: The PhD candidate will take care of the plasma jet's physical and electrical characterization, optimization, and safety evaluation. The student will compare different configurations of plasma jet and multijet reactors. The student will learn to use an ample variety of instruments and techniques such as iCCD cameras, Schlieren, optical emission and absorption spectroscopy, electrical high voltage measurements, infrared cameras. The data and insight acquired by the student will contribute to the improvement of the multi-jet technology and to the final development of a medical device based on this. The PhD student will also acquire knowledge on EU medical devices guidelines with a special focus on novel international guidelines for plasma medical devices. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners. At the end of the project the PhD student will likely have acquired the following competences:
- Research and Development methodology
- Advanced knowledge in cold plasma physics
- Knowledge in medical devices international standards
- Presentation and reporting skills
- European network of contacts both in the academic and industrial sector
Requirements:
- The GREMI laboratory is a Zone à Regime Restrictif (ZRR). Applicants applying for a position in the GREMI laboratory must obtain a security clearance issued by the French Ministry of Defense in order to work there. Therefore, applicants must submit their application form together with a completed ZRR application including a scan of their identity card/passport and a CV
- Master of Science degree in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Electrical/Energy/Mechanical/Automation Engineering
- Previous experience in laboratory research (ex. internship, project, etc…) is required.
- Experience/skills in one of the following domain are appreciated:
- Experience in atmospheric pressure plasma
- Programming skills (ie. Matlab and Phyton)
- Knowledge in image analysis
- Skills in electrical measurements
- Skills in 3D design
Supervisor: Eric Robert, PhD
Institution: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CRNS), GREMI laboratory
Application deadline: 11.03.2024
Expected starting date: June 2024
DC4: Characterization of a plasma jet for the application in plasma medicine
Description: The PhD candidate will study and optimize the effect of different gas composition on the plasma jet devices operation as well study the interaction between plasma and biological tissues. The student will implement diagnostic system for the in situ characterization of plasma and the monitoring of plasma delivery. The student will learn to use an ample variety of instruments and techniques such as iCCD cameras, Schlieren, optical emission and absorption spectroscopy, electrical high voltage measurements, infrared cameras, gas and liquid chemical characterization. The student will be guided in the implementation of an automatic acquisition system and in the use of analysis methods based on Artificial Intelligence.
The data and insight acquired by the student will create new knowledge on the plasma-tissue interaction and contribute to improve plasma medical devices control strategies and protocol optimization. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
At the end of the project, the PhD student will likely have acquired the following competences:
- Research and Development methodology
- Advanced knowledge in cold plasma physics
- Knowledge in skin anatomy
- Presentation and reporting skills
- European network of contacts both in the academic and industrial sector
Requirements:
- The GREMI laboratory is a Zone à Regime Restrictif (ZRR). Applicants applying for a position in the GREMI laboratory must obtain a security clearance issued by the French Ministry of Defense in order to work there. Therefore, applicants must submit their application form together with a completed ZRR application including a scan of their identity card/passport and a CV
- Master of Science degree in the fields of Physics, Chemistry, Electrical/Energy/Mechanical/Automation Engineering
- Previous experience in laboratory research (ex. internship, project, etc…) is required.
- Experience/skills in one of the following domain are appreciated
- Experience in atmospheric pressure plasma
- Programming skills (ie. Matlab and Phyton)
- Knowledge in image analysis
- Skills in electrical measurements
- Skills in 3D design
Supervisor: Augusto Stancampiano, PhD
Institution: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CRNS), GREMI laboratory
Application deadline: 11.03.2024
Expected starting date: June 2024
DC5: The diagnostics of the plasma in interaction with targets relevant for medicine
Description:
This project will focus on the diagnostics of the plasma in interaction with targets relevant for the PlasmACT. One of the goals is to measure electric fields as close as possible to the target. However, other diagnostics will be employed to gather supporting data.
In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master of Science, preferably in Physics
Supervisor: Prof. Ana Sobota
Institution: Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Applied physics and science education
Application deadline: 11.03.2024
Expected starting date: June 2024
DC6: Plasma safety and effects on human patient samples and DNA-repair mechanisms
Description: The primary objective of this subproject is to test the biological safety of a cold plasma device for the use against actinic keratosis. This testing will be performed at different levels of complexity including cell culture models, in vivo rodent animal models, as well as patient-derived normal skin or actinic keratosis lesions (ex vivo). Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, DNA-damage, and long-term adverse effects of the treatment will be assessed using cell biology and molecular biology assays as well as state-of-the-art high content imaging microscopy. Given the clinical research environment, the final aim is to support a study with a small volunteer cohort on tolerability aspects of the cold plasma device. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master of Science in Biology, Molecular Medicine, Biomedicine, Biochemistry or a related field
Supervisor: Prof. Steffen Emmert
Institution: University Medicine Rostock, Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology
Application deadline: 30.04.2024
Expected starting date: 01.09.2024
DC7: Modeling the interaction of plasma species with biomolecules, by molecular dynamics, fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics simulations
Description: The main objective of this PhD project is to study the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) by a plasma jet and their interaction with membrane lipids relevant to actinic keratosis, employing fluid dynamics, chemical kinetics, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. First, combined fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics modeling will give information on the important RONS generated. Next, reactive MD simulations will be performed to model the lipids' chemical reactions (oxidation, modification) upon interaction with important RONS, such as H2O2, OH, O, NO, and ONOO-. Because of the high computational cost, these simulations can only be performed on a short timescale (nanoseconds) with small model systems. This model will identify the critical reactive species that react with the biomolecules and the formed lipid peroxidation products. Subsequently, the longer-timescale behavior of the membrane lipids will be investigated with non-reactive MD simulations. These simulations do not allow bond breaking and formation and are thus less computationally intensive; therefore, they allow larger model systems and longer timescales. These simulations will inform the conformational changes of biomolecules and eventual membrane pore formation, allowing plasma-derived RONS to enter the cell. In addition, the free energy profiles of the most important RONS across the membrane will be calculated by umbrella sampling to gain insight into how these RONS can enter the cell. Calculations will be performed for different RONS and lipid molecules and compared with the experiments performed at INP-Greifswald. Specifically, EPR spectroscopy using spin probe-labeled lipids and spin probes confined in model lipid structures (liposomes, giant unilamellar vesicles) will be performed to observe the RONS distribution in lipid systems and the RONS migration into or through membranes. The MD simulation outcome will be further verified by collecting plasma-treated lipids and performing high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis for identification, quantification, and structure elucidation. The compiled information will facilitate improvements in the MD simulation input and identification of relevant plasma-derived species. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master of Science in Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering
- Experience with fluid dynamics or molecular dynamics simulations for biomolecules
Supervisor: Prof. Annemie Bogaerts
Institution: University of Antwerp, Chemistry Department
Application deadline: 11.03.2023
Expected starting date: June-July 2024
DC8: Immunobiology of actinic keratosis following plasma treatment
Description: The aim of this PhD project is to understand how much of the plasma effect on actinic keratosis malignant keratinocytes can be attributed to cells of the immune system. Actinic keratosis cells will be investigated for their potential to activate immune cells after exposure to plasma generated with the multijet technology. Cell culture experiments will be performed and immune cell activation will be measured using flow cytometry amongst other techniques. Markers of activation or inhibition will be investigated for their presence on plasma-treated skin cells. In addition, different types of cell death will be studied. Several plasma conditions, expression markers, and immune cell subpopulations will be tested. In addition, the combination of plasma treatment with standard-of-care treatment for actinic keratosis will be evaluated to investigate plasma treatment as an adjuvant treatment option. In addition, two secondments to an academic and industrial partner institution are already planned to broaden the network and differentiate the student's skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the project provides ample opportunities for professional exchange and networking with other academic and industrial partners.
Requirements:
- Master in Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, Engineering, Chemistry or Physics
- Knowledge on immunology, experience with sterile cell culture and immuno-assays
Supervisor: Prof. Evelien Smits
Institution: University of Antwerp, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Center for Oncological Research
Application deadline: 11.03.2023
Expected starting date: June-July 2024
Requirements
- Research Field
- Chemistry » Biochemistry
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biology
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Physics
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Engineering » Chemical engineering
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Biological sciences » Biological engineering
- Education Level
- Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field
- Engineering » Biomedical engineering
- Education Level
- Bachelor Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
The candidates should have a strong background in the fields mentioned above. The candidates should be able to work independently, take initiative, adopt critical judgment and demonstrate ability to work in a team. The project will include several network wide educational events and secondments, for which travel, communication and social skills are required. Proficiency in written and spoken English is crucial
Specific Requirements
For specific requirements please refer to the individual PhD descriptions.
- Languages
- ENGLISH
- Level
- Excellent
Additional Information
Benefits
Doctoral candidates are offered a competitive remuneration based on the MSCA allowances in line with theMSCA WP 2021-2022 .
Eligibility criteria
- Applicants must be doctoral candidates, i.e not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.
- Mobility rule: researchers must not have carried out their main activity (e.g. work, studies) at the host country for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before their recruitment date.
- DC applicants must fulfil the local recruiting requirements
Selection process
Candidates should apply with PlasmACT DN application form available on the project website (https://plasmact.eu/vacancies/ ) and transcripts before the deadline indicated for each DC position. Applicants applying for a position in the GREMI laboratory (DC3 and DC4) must obtain a security clearance issued by the French Ministry of Defense in order to work there. Therefore, applicants must submit their application form together with a completed ZRR application (also available on the project website) including a scan of their identity card/passport and a CV.
Submitted applications will be evaluated according to the European Code of Conduct for Recruitment (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code ).
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews 4 weeks after the deadline. Shortlisted candidates will be notified about the selection process outcome.
Applicants interested in the position will also have to apply to the PhD Program. Employment will be conditioned by acceptance to the program.
- Website for additional job details
https://plasmact.eu/
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available
- 2
- Company/Institute
- Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP)
- Country
- Germany
- City
- Greifswald
- Street
- Felix-Hausdorff-Str 2
- Geofield
- Number of offers available
- 2
- Company/Institute
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CRNS), GREMI laboratory
- Country
- France
- City
- Orléans
- Street
- 14 rue d'Issoudun
- Geofield
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- Eindhoven University of Technology, Department of Applied physics and science education
- Country
- Netherlands
- City
- Eindhoven
- Postal Code
- 5612 AP
- Geofield
- Number of offers available
- 1
- Company/Institute
- University Medicine Rostock, Clinic and Policlinic for Dermatology and Venereology
- Country
- Germany
- City
- Rostock
- Street
- Schillingallee 35
- Geofield
- Number of offers available
- 2
- Company/Institute
- University of Antwerp
- Country
- Belgium
- City
- Antwerpen
- Postal Code
- 2000
- Street
- Prinsstraat 13
- Geofield
Where to apply
- Website
https://plasmact.eu/vacancies/
Contact
- City
Greifswald- Website
https://plasmact.eu/- Street
Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 2- Postal Code
17489
[email protected]
STATUS: EXPIRED