PhD open positions in Tuebingen

softmatter

The research group Physics of Molecular and Biological Materials at the Institute for
Applied Physics at the University of Tübingen is expanding and has openings for
2 PhD positions in Biophysics.
All projects are part of a larger research program employing synchrotron / neutron-based
techniques and complementary in-house spectroscopic methods. Offering a stimulating
research atmosphere the projects are embedded in international collaborations with
access to state-of-the-art equipment. Details of the experimental techniques used can be
found at www.soft-matter.uni-tuebingen.de
1. Protein interactions and phase behavior controlled by charges
This project is devoted to the understanding of the protein-protein interactions and phase behavior in solution under the strong
electrostatic coupling conditions. By using multivalent ions, the charge correlation effect becomes important in protein interactions
as well as the phase behavior. In this context, we have recently discovered a new effect (“re-entrant condensation”), which is
based on the effective surface charge inversion of proteins via binding of multivalent counterions. The effect has potentially farreaching
consequences for a broad range of issues from protein crystallization to protein-aggregation related diseases. Modern
small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering techniques combined with theoretical models developed in “simple liquid” state will be
used to explore the protein-protein interactions. Complementary techniques including dynamic and static light scattering, FTIR
spectroscopy are available in the lab.
Related publications: Zhang et al. Phys. Rev. Lett. 2008, 101, 148101
2. Tuning interactions of functionalized nanoparticles with proteins
This project aims to understand the interactions as well as phase behavior of proteins with functionalized nanoparticles in
physiological condition. Nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized by self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and proteins (known as
bioconjugates) are widely used in many bio-related areas, such as biomolecular detection and diagnostic applications. Two model
systems, i.e. Oligo(ethylene glycol) thiol SAM decorated gold NPs and protein-AuNP bioconjugates will be studied using a set of
complementary techniques including small-angle scattering (SAXS, SANS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and spectroscopy
(FTIR, UV-vis and circular dichroism). The conformation of molecules in SAM and adsorbed layer, the interactions of NPs with
proteins as well as the key parameters to determine the phase behavior of protein-colloid mixtures will be addressed.
Related publications: Zhang et al. J. Phys. Chem. A. 2007, 12229, J. Phys. Chem. C. 2009, 113, 4839.
Candidates with a master degree in physics or a related field and experience in the areas described above are
encouraged to send their applications, CVs, and preferably contact details of one reference to Dr. Zhang.
Dr. Fajun Zhang (fajun.zhang@googlemail.com ).
PhD Open Positions
Biophysics at Tübingen, Germany