We are offering a highly interdisciplinary PhD position on the topic of “Nanoparticle – protein interactions” in the research group of Prof. Torsten Schwede at the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics & Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland.The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the leading institutes worldwide for molecular and biomedical basic research and teaching. It is home to more than 30 research groups with scientists from over 40 countries. Research at the Biozentrum focuses on the areas of Cell Growth & Development, Infection Biology, Neurobiology, Structural Biology & Biophysics and Computational & Systems Biology. With its more than 550 employees, the Biozentrum is the largest department at the University of Basel’s Faculty of Science.
The main goal of this collaborative PhD project is the development of methods describing the interaction of proteins with nanoparticles by combining experimental and computational approaches, in particular in the context of formation of a protein corona on the surface of nanoparticles. The detailed exploration of such bio-inorganic interfaces at the molecular level will be useful for predictive toxicology in nanomedicine and has many potential applications in the design of novel nanomaterials.
The Schwede group is world renowned for SWISS-MODEL (swissmodel.expasy.org), a widely used automated protein structure homology-modelling server. About one model per minute is built for scientists around the world and the results are cited in more than 15’000 scientific publications. As well as ample computational expertise and resources, the Schwede group offers a well-equipped experimental laboratory at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel and enjoys excellent collaborative networks within the Nanoscreen Consortium (EMPA/EPFL), which would allow the PhD student to experimentally test computational predictions arising from this project.
Qualifications and Experience
Your degree should be equivalent to MSc biology, chemistry, material science or similar academic levels of qualifications
Profound knowledge in at least one of the following fields: structural biology, chemistry of nanoparticles / metal surfaces, material science, molecular microbiology
Interdisciplinary mindset and high motivation
Independent style of working
First molecular modeling experience and scripting skills (Python) would be an asset
You will demonstrate good team-working skills and excellent communication. You will be able to pay attention to detail, show innovation and a willingness to take on new challenges at the interface of nanoparticle and structural biology. Finally, applicants should have practical experience in an academic working-environment and present a strong desire to apply the latest algorithmic principles to the fields of computational and structural biology.
The workplace
Basel is one of the key life science clusters worldwide featuring several excellent academic research institutions, including the University of Basel as one the oldest universities in Europe. The Biozentrum is a world-renowned institution, home of numerous outstanding scientists pushing the frontiers of life science. Research at the Biozentrum is interdisciplinary; new and relevant questions often arise at the overlap between the research fields, while the collaboration between teams and the expertise of each respective area leads to innovative solutions. Excellent infrastructure and core facilities make the Biozentrum internationally highly competitive and allows for research of the highest level. The Biozentrum enjoys an excellent reputation for its scientific training, both nationally and internationally. Students are integrated into a research environment from the start of their academic career and gain first-hand experience of life as a scientist. The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is a world-renowned organization federating bioinformatics research in Switzerland and providing first-class Bioinformatics tools and services such as UniProt/SwissProt, SWISS-MODEL and STRING to the international research community. The SIB leads and coordinates the field of bioinformatics in Switzerland and is thus well-connected with both industry and life-sciences in academia. The SIB PhD training network offers graduate students in bioinformatics cutting-edge courses, summer schools and workshops to update their knowledge and to promote the exchange of ideas. Besides an outstanding scientific working environment, Basel provides a high standard of living and a superb cultural atmosphere.
Basel is an international city with people from 150 nations. Located on the border where three countries meet – Switzerland-Germany-France – it is Europe’s most important life sciences hub.
Application Instructions
The position is available immediately and aims at acquiring the level of a doctorate (3yrs). The University of Basel is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from both female and male candidates.
Please apply online and submit your application including a CV, a letter of motivation highlighting your personal interests and contributions to the field of Computational Biology and/or Structural Biology, as well as contact information of referees.
Application deadline: October 15th 2015