项目介绍

2024年12月8日

The Soft Matter and Biophysics Unit is part of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the KU Leuven and it is concerned with the study of systems which are easily deformable by external forces and/or thermal fluctuations, as opposed to conventional solids which are quite rigid. Soft matter systems include liquids, colloids, polymers, gels, liquid crystals, or biological materials. These systems show a wide range of interesting and complex structural, dynamical and thermal properties, which are also exploited in modern technologies.

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Project

Curved and twisted DNA is ubiquitous in the cell as a consequence of mechanical forces that act non-specifically on the molecule from its surroundings, as well as due to natural, specific interactions with proteins. Therefore, a fundamental understanding of the DNA mechanics involved in these processes is key for the unraveling of these basic processes of life, as well as for the development of new technologies and therapies in fields such as medicine, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Mechanical deformations of DNA can be experimentally studied at the single molecule level, and also with computational tools. Probing highly deformed DNA in computer simulations is challenging as it requires analyzing an extended system comprised of DNA and of large protein complexes inducing these deformations. The closing of the existing gap of rendering such conformations accessible by computational means is of both fundamental and, in the long term, practical relevance which is the aim of the present PhD proposal. The plan is to use state-of-the-art modelling and simulation of DNA, to develop novel and efficient computational tools to explore highly curved and twisted DNA, its dynamics and its interaction with proteins. The project builds upon recently developed algorithms at the KU Leuven (Voorspoels et al. JCTC 19, 902 (2023)).

Profile

We are looking for a candidate with a Master in Physics and/or Chemistry. A background in Statistical and Computational Physics and molecular modeling will be an advantage. The application should include a letter, with qualifications and motivation to apply for this position, a detailed CV, publication list (if any), contact details of at least two referees, and academic transcripts of BSc and MSc grades.

Eligibility:
Applicants must fully respect three eligibility criteria:

• Supported researchers must be Doctoral Candidates (DC), i.e., not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
• Recruited researchers can be of any nationality and must undertake trans-national mobility (i.e., move from one country to another) when taking up the appointment. In particular, at the time of selection by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• The candidates’ ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English should be sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.

Offer

This PhD position is part of a EU-funded Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network (DN) “MeChaNiSM”. The network offers 15 fully funded open positions for PhD students in the field of nucleic acids chemistry and biophysics.

15 PhD positions related to single molecule analysis of nucleic acids (Euraxess)

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Enrico Carlon, tel.: +32 16 32 72 39, mail: enrico.carlon@kuleuven.be or Mrs. Danielle Verachtert, tel.: +32 16 32 71 31, mail: danielle.verachtert@kuleuven.be.You can apply for this job no later than January 01, 2025 via the online application tool

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

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