PhD Position - Material Development for the Next-Generation Bioelectronics based on Conductive Protein Fibers

Your Job:

The PhD thesis project aims to develop novel nanobiotechnological approaches for the manipulation of conductive cable bacteria fibers with the goal of obtaining a new material for biodegradable electronic circuits. The core conductive structure of Cable Bacteria are the periplasmic protein fibers, for extraction of which the intact cable bacterium filaments should be treated chemically and mechanically. The extracted fibers will serve as the raw substance for the protein fibers-based material. The quality of the fibers’ extraction and reproducibility of the method should be evaluated using such methods as SEM, TEM, and AFM. On the next stage, the assembly of the fibers should be performed using the self-assembly, shear-coating, and other biochemical and mechanical approaches. Electrical and electrochemical characterizations will be conducted to evaluate the material performance.

Your tasks will include:

• Performing and optimizing protocols for the chemical extraction of biological fibers
  
• Modification of the sample surfaces to induce the fibers assembly into bio-based biodegradable material
  
• Fabrication of structures assisting the material assembly in the cleanroom
  
• Characterization of material’s biodegradability and biocompatibility
  
• Implementation of conceptional devices based on the CB derived biomaterial
  

Further information on the Microbial Electricity background:
https://www.microbial-electricity.eu/
Project Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pringle-eic-pathfinder-94107323b/

Your Profile:

• Master´s degree in Material Sciences, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, or Biotechnology or similar
  
• Interest in the field of Bioelectronics
  
• Ability to communicate with scientists and technicians from various disciplines
  
• Good written and spoken English
  
• Independent and analytical way of working
  
• Advantageous, yet not mandatory, are experiences in programming and data analysis
  
• Passion for science

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• Multifaceted work in an interdisciplinary and international setting, as well as a cooperative work environment
  
• Fantastic research equipment facilities
  
• International collaboration with the scientific groups from the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Cyprus
  
• Forschungszentrum Jülich located closely to Belgium and the Netherlands with strong links to the ABCD Region (Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf) which is one of the leading high-tech regions in Europe.
  
• A large research campus with green spaces, offering the best possible means for networking with colleagues and pursuing sports alongside work
  
• Further development of your personal strengths, e.g. through an extensive range of training courses; a structured program of continuing education and networking opportunities specifically for doctoral researchers via JuDocS, the Jülich Center for Doctoral Researchers and Supervisors: https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/judocs
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years. Pay in line with 65% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

In addition to exciting tasks and a collaborative working atmosphere at Jülich, we have a lot more to offer: https://go.fzj.de/benefits

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.