Phd position Biophysics of DNA origami nanoactuators

We are inviting applications for a PhD position at the interface of Biophysics and Nanotechnology.

In this project you will develop the first mechanically-adaptable nanopores by uniquely combining DNA origami nanotechnology, machine-inspired design and synthetic biology. You will answer fundamental biophysics questions regarding the 1) dynamics of programmable conformational changes, 2) the force balance at the membrane/nanopore interface and 3) the design of fast trigger mechanisms. You will use a range of techniques including nanopore measurements, fast-scan AFM and optical tweezers to characterize the dynamics and mechanics of the nanostructures. This highly interdisciplinary project is based at the Precision and Microsystems Engineering Department at TU Delft, where you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities (cleanroom, chemistry lab, nanopore lab, optics lab) and equipment to initiate this new line of research in a vibrant, young team.

Department
The Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering (PME)  of the 3mE faculty focuses on developing knowledge and methods for small, innovative, high-precision devices and systems, such as scientific instrumentation and biomimetic platforms for the molecular diagnostics and high-tech industry. Increasing miniaturization and functionality along with improving sensitivity, speed and reliability are the key topics in our work.
The vacant position is in the Dynamics of Micro and Nanosystems (DMN) section. The group focuses on exploiting the dynamics and mechanics of small scale systems to create new platforms in the fields of scientific instrumentation, healthcare and consumer electronics. Our research topics span from measuring and manipulating (bio)materials at the micro and nano scale, to the design of reliable MEMS and NEMS sensors and actuators.