Scholarships PhD Position in Biophysics 2011
PhD position in biophysics 2011 at Univ K????ln Germany
Bacteria can acquire genetic diversity including antibiotic resistance and
virulence traits by horizontal gene transfer. In particular, many bacteria are
naturally competent for DNA transformation in which bacteria import naked DNA
from their environment. Although the proteins that are required for DNA import
are mostly known, the molecular mechanism of DNA import is unclear. We designed
and tested laser tweezers for studying dynamics and force generation of
individual molecular motors in living bacteria in different model bacteria
In future studies we want to implement methods of statistical physics for
addressing the molecular mechanism of DNA transport through the bacterial cell
envelope in the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
We are currently recruiting a physicist (master or diploma in physics) with
background in biophysics. He / she should be interested both in improving the
laser tweezers (hardware and algorithms for analysis) and designing approaches
to decipher the molecular mechanics of DNA import by bacteria at the single
molecule level.
Methods: laser tweezers, single molecule fluorescence microscopy,
microbiological methods
Start 1.06.2011 or later (E13, 65%)
Disabled individuals with equal personal and technical eligibility will be
favored. The WWU is commited to increasing the ratio of women in research. Women
are therefore invited to apply for this position.
Contact details for applications:
Prof. Dr. Berenike Maier
Universit????t zu K????ln
Biocenter
Z????lpicher Str. 47b
50674 K????ln
email: berenike.maier@uni-koeln.de
How to apply:
Please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates, and two
references) as a single PDF file by email to berenike.maier@uni-koeln.de. It is
mandatory that you visit Cologne for an interview.