Optical methods to study the function of single enzymes have initiated a revolution because they revealed marked differences between individual molecules in a seemingly homogeneous population. The diffraction limit of light has largely restricted these single-molecule fluorescence studies to dilute and buffered solutions which are not representative for the concentrated cellular environment. In this project you will exploit the strongly confined field around a plasmonic nanoparticle to study the activity of a single enzyme in physiological conditions and eventually inside a living cell.

In collaboration with the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) you will develop the necessary protocols to conjugate a single enzyme to a metallic nanoparticle. You will then use single-molecule optical microscopy to study the activity of the enzyme. The aim is to investigate the effects of crowding and inhibition on enzyme activity. Although the project is largely experimental you will also compare your experimental results to theoretical predictions. Your work will generate a unique understanding of enzymatic activity under realistic, physiological conditions.

About the MBx group
We investigate nanotechnologies for biophysical studies which have potential to be applied in integrated medical biosensors. We focus on the manipulation and detection of particles with a biochemically active surface coating, including magnetic and plasmonic nanoparticles. The particles allow us to capture, detect, and study biomolecules, to control and detect the formation of biomolecular bonds, and to study the function of molecules and cells in samples of complex biochemical composition.

About ICMS
The Institute for Complex Molecular Systems is an interdisciplinary institute at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) which brings excellent researchers from different areas together to promote cross-breeding of ideas across departments and across disciplines. The institute was founded on April 1, 2008 and currently has 100 members from the TU/e departments Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. We aim to create and study biologically inspired complex and functional nano-sized objects with the ultimate goal of understanding the full complexity of life. 

Job requirements

We are looking for excellent candidates with a degree in physical sciences and experience in optics and microscopy. You will be employed by the department of Applied Physics in the group Molecular Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics (MBx). During the project you will closely collaborate with other researchers in the Institute of Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS, see below).

Conditions of employment

Appointment and salary

We offer:

• An exciting job in the active research group Molecular Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics MBx (http://www.phys.tue.nl/mbx/)
• A full time appointment for four years (starting 1 November 2014) by Eindhoven University of Technology http://www.tue.nl/en/
• Gross monthly salary from €2083 (first year) to €2664 (fourth year) in line with the Collective Agreement for Dutch Universities
• An attractive package of fringe benefits, including end-of-year allowance, a personal development program for PhD students (Proof program), and excellent sport facilities

Information on PROOF can be found on the website http://w3.tue.nl/en/services/dpo/education_training/doelgroepen/phd_student/

Information about the terms of employment can be found on the website http://www.vsnu.nl/Workstudy/Universities-as-employers.htm.

Information and application

Please send us your application by using the ‘apply now button on the TU/e website.

• Dr. Peter Zijlstra
• Department of Applied Physics
• Group Molecular Biosensors for Medical Diagnostics (MBx)
• Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, The Netherlands
• E-mail: p.zijlstra@tue.nl

The intended starting date of the project is 1 November 2014. Information about the project may be obtained by sending an email to p.zijlstra@tue.nl.

If you are interested, then please send us your CV and a personal motivation describing why you want to join our research group (max 1 page). Applications without a motivation will not be taken into account.

Please send us your application by using the ‘apply now button on the TU/e website.