PhD position for protein corona studies with neutron scattering

Neutron scattering is a technique that seeks to understand the properties of matter at a structural and dynamic level. Neutron scattering techniques are only available in large facilities, as they can only be produced in nuclear reactors or spallation sources. In Europe, the Laue-Langevin Institute in Grenoble (France, by nuclear reactor) and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Didcot (England, by spallation) stand out. The European Spallation Source (ESS) is currently being built in Lund, Sweden, and the Basque country has contributed significantly by building key components. At the end of the construction phase, it is very important that there are trained users capable of using the full potential of the ESS to advance in science and technology in the Basque country. Are you the next ambassador for the use of neutron scattering in the Basque Country?

The Instituto Biofisika offers a joint position between the groups of Prof. Marité Cárdenas and Dr. Mónica Carril for optimizing the structure of fluorinated nanoparticles and their in vivo behavior for applications in nanomedicine:

In this project we will apply low angle neutron scattering accompanied by selective deuteration to determine the dependence of the nanoparticle structure with the composition. Nanoparticles are known to be coated by a “protein corona” when they come into contact with proteins present in the bloodstream. It was recently shown that the adsorption of plasma proteins on lipid-based nanoparticles (of the same type as those used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against covid19) alters the structure of said nanoparticles, and that this restructuring is correlated with the ability to express proteins within the cell. Here we will investigate whether this effect is generic and also applicable in fluorinated polymeric and metallic nanoparticles.

The ideal candidate is a physicist or physical chemist with an interest in chemical and biological applications. Candidates should have a degree and a Master that gives access to doctorate studies. The candidate will also be expected to apply for predoctoral grants for which a very good academic record is important.

Applications should be addressed to Mónica Carril ([email protected]) and Marité Cárdenas ([email protected]) and sent via e-mail with the subject ‘PhD neutron scattering’ in one single PDF. It is recommended that applications are made as soon as possible as they will be considered upon arrival. They must include:

1.    Cover letter highlighting their interest in the position and the main research achievements. 

2.    Curriculum vitae. 

3.    Full academic record with the final average grade of the degree. 

4.    Names and contact address (e-mail) of at least one academic referee.