The group of Dr. Javier Montenegro is seeking a Postdoctoral Candidate with strong interest in Supramolecular Chemistry, Chemical Biology and Synthetic Biology. This is an excellent opportunity to join a Human Frontiers Project, a cutting-edge research aimed towards the fabrication of a minimal cell and a synthetic cytoskeleton.
The general aim of the project is to prepare and study peptides and othe molecules that self-assemble into tubular and fibril networks in the “out of the equilibrium” regime.
DESCRIPTION
The applicant will be involved in the preparation of the cytoskeleton of a minimal cell mimic. The research will involve the synthesis of self-assembling peptide building blocks and the biophysical characterization of the resulting ensembles. This project is part of an international project towards a fully synthetic cytoskeleton with self-regulating capabilities. The research groups involved are top-level scientists of the United States (Neal Devaraj) and Japan (Toshihide Takeuchi).
REQUIREMENTS
We seek outstanding individuals with initiative, creativity and team-working ability and with a diploma in Chemistry, Biophysics and Synthetic Biology.
Experience in peptide chemistry, self-assembly, microfluidics and biophysics will be highly considered.
Good communication skills and proficiency in written and spoken English are essential.
REFERENCES
· “Coupling of carbon and Peptide nanotubes”, Montenegro, J., Vázquez-Vázquez, C., Kalinin, A., Geckeler, K. E., & Granja, J. R. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2014, 136, 2484–2491
· “In situ” Functionalized Polymers for siRNA Delivery”, Priegue, J. M.; Crisan, D. N.; Martínez-Costas, J; Granja, J. R.; Fernandez-Trillo, F.; Montenegro, J. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2016, 55, 7492-7495.
· “pH-Triggered self-assembly and hydrogelation of peptide nanotubes confined in water micro-droplets”, Méndez-Ardoy, A., Granja, J. R., Montenegro, J. Nanoscale Horiz., 2018, 3, 391–396.
· “1D to 2D Self Assembly of Cyclic Peptides”, Insua, I., Montenegro, J. J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2020, 142, 300–307.
STARTING DATE AND TERM
Starting date could be flexible during 2020. 2 years of contract (annual evaluation).
APPLICATIONS
Applications should be sent directly to Dr. Montenegro,
[email protected], including a CV (maximun two pages), a full concise list of publications and the name and the e-mail of two contact person(s), indicating in the subject HFSP-03.
DEADLINE
Applications should be sent to Dr. Montenegro (
[email protected]) before April 15th.
