The Adolphe Merkle Institute (www.am-institute.ch) is an established independent center of competence associated with the University of Fribourg. AMI prides itself with an unusual blend of fundamental and application-oriented research within a multidisciplinary setting and strives to be a leader in interdisciplinary research on soft nano-science. To complete our team, we search for a

Postdoctoral Researcher (bionanotechnology / materials science)
[Job code: AMI-NB-003]

The Macromolecular Chemistry Group (Prof. Nico Bruns) invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (m/f) for a project on polymer-protein hybrid materials with the capability to self-report damage. In particular, you will investigate fluorescent proteins as force-responsive reporter molecules in polymeric materials such as fiber-reinforced composites. The study will involve the preparation of polymer-protein hybrid materials, and the characterization of the proteins’ fluorescence in response to stress and other mechanical forces.

You should ideally be a materials scientist or chemist with a strong background in biotechnology, or a biotechnologist with a strong interest in polymers and materials. Experimental experience in confocal fluorescence microscopy, protein expression, protein purification, protein immobilization, biosesensing, polymer chemistry, and/or mechanical characterization of polymeric materials are desired. Good English language skills (writing and oral) and a track record of publications in peer-reviewed high quality journals are required.

We offer an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of materials science, polymer chemistry and protein chemistry, well-equipped laboratories, excellent working conditions, and a competitive salary. The position will start in May 2014 or as agreed, and is initially funded or 12 months, with the possibility for an extension by further 5 months.

Please send your complete documentation (reference AMI-NB-003; including letter of motivation, CV, list of publications and contact details of at least one academic reference) until 7.3.2014 to: Christa Waeber, Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, christa.waeber@unifr.ch
For additional information about the position, please contact: Prof. Nico Bruns, nico.bruns@unifr.ch