Job description:
In this project a multiplex electronic biosensor or bio-electronic nose is developed which utilizes biological receptors cloned from mammals (llama antibodies and G-protein coupled receptors expressed in cell lines) for the detection of biomolecules. The transduction mechanism is primarily based on the nanowire Field Effect Transistor (FET) which represents an electronic resistance which can be modulated by the change in charge cloud around coated biomolecules or living cells upon ligand binding (e.g. www.pnas.org_cgi_doi_10.1073_pnas.0902752106). Nanowire FETs can not be functionalized efficiently by mechanical printing due to the nano-dimensions of the wires and the incompatibility of the procedures with the bioactivity of the receptors and vesicles. A new technology will be applied in this project to coat nanowires with receptor proteins or vesicles using the principle of DNA-directed immobilization. Nanowires coated with oligonucleotides will only bind complementary oligonucleotides with appropriate receptor proteins or receptor assemblies in cells or vesicles attached. This form of self-assembly of proteins and functionally active cells or vesicles will allow the formation of highly complex protein and vesicle arrays (Jongsma et al. 2006 Proteomics: 2650; e.g. www.pnas.org_cgi_doi_10.1073_pnas.0902752106 ).
Requirements:
The candidate will concentrate on developing appropriate llama antibodies and receptor cell lines functionalized with DNA for use in the biosensor set up. He will apply his materials in a dedicated microfluidics environment (www.micronit.com), optimize the coupling of specific antibodies and vesicles expressing G-protein coupled receptors to the nanowires, and evaluate the ligand-binding and dissociation signals. The stability in time, reproducibility, specificity and sensitivity under actual diagnostic and other medium conditions will be tested. In parallel a microfluidics set up is created for the fluorescent read-out using confocal laser scanning microscopy, so that both methods can reinforce each other.
We expect a result-driven person with:
- a university degree at MSc level in Natural or Life Sciences and specifically in biochemistry, cell biology, and/or molecular biology.
- experience with several of the following: gene cloning, (electro)physiology, microspectroscopy.
- an interest in chemical sensing and in multidisciplinary approaches
- proficiency in and affinity with working with computers and laboratory equipment;
- creativity and interest to shape your own thesis project
- Collection of genesets and pathways with relevance for reproductive toxicology, carcinogenesis, immune toxicology and target organ toxicology
- an integrative and cooperative personality with very good communication skills in English.
Conditions of employement:
Employment basis: Temporary for specified period
Duration of the contract: 18 months with a possible extension of 30 months.
Maximum hours per week: 38
Start: preferably summer 2009
We offer
- A top-level research environment
- Estimated maximum salary per month: € 2000 in the first year rising to € 2558 in the fourth year, as well as generous research funding
- A periodic research report system
- Efficient supervision by a team of two supervisors
- A comprehensive mentoring program
- Courses in novel technologies and soft skills
- Wageningen – The Dutch City of Life Sciences situated in Food valley and banking on the river Rhine: a young and lively city with dynamic business activities, successful scientific centres of innovation and an active cultural scene
Additional information:
Additional information about the project proposal can be obtained from:
Project leader and co-promotor: Dr. M.A. Jongsma, telephone number: + 31 317 480932
E-mail address: maarten.jongsma@wur.nl
Promotors are: Prof. Dr. Cees van Rijn (WageningenUR) and Prof. Dr. Ernst Sudholter (TU Delft).
Application:
You can apply for this job before 22-06-2009 by sending your application to:
Wageningen UR, Plant Sciences Group
HRM Department
Mrs. L. Bikker
P.O. Box 16
6700 AA Wageningen
The Netherlands
E-mail address: vacaturemeldingen.psg@wur.nl