Nanopatterned ligands to study stem cell adhesion and signalling

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from 1 May 2018 or later.
Title:
Nanopatterned ligands to study stem cell adhesion and signalling
Research area and project description:
The project aims to use advanced molecular patterning approaches based on surface immobilized molecular patterns (for example DNA origami based protein patterns) to study the role of multivalencey and pattern recognition in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix or adjacent cells and subsequent signaling. Using surface nanobiotechnology approaches ligands will be immobilized to surfaces with controlled spacing, number and pattern to correlate single versus multivalent binding in focal adhesions to stem cell adhesion and differentiation. A secondary goal of the project will be to use the same approaches o co-pattern ligands in specific patterns to study the role of synergistic binding of growth factors within cellular adhesions or in the local vicinity of cellular adhesions on signaling within the adhesive complex and later downstream effects. The work will involve both development of the patterning approaches, their advanced characterization using super-resolution optical approaches and the application of these approaches to study specific mechanisms of adhesion and signaling relevant for decision making in stem cell niche environments. This PhD project is part of the large DG center CellPAT: Center for Cellular Signal Patterns (started 1st November 2017) (http://inano.au.dk/about/research-centers/cellpat/), which aims to understand the role of multivalency and patterns in immune recognition, cell adhesion and signaling and disease. The student will collaborate with other students and post-docs at Aarhus University and the international collaborating partners. In particular the PhD project will include a research stay at the group of Professor Fiona Watt at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at Kings College London, UK with a focus on epidermal stem cells. See relevant work from the CellPAT consortium as reference for the DNA origami approach (Andersen E-S et al. Nature 459:73 (2009), Zadegan R et al. Small 11:1811 (2015) and for the use of protein patterns to study cell and stem cells adhesion and differentiation (Kristensen S et al. Nano Letters 12:2129 (2012), Gautrot JE et al Nano Letters 14:3945 (2014), Andersen A-S Nano Letters 16:2124 (2016))
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or equivalent.
Place of Employment and Place of Work:
iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~130 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5 year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (www.inanoschool.au.dk) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:


Duncan Sutherland
Professor
Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO)
Aarhus University
Gustav Wieds Vej 14
DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

Mobil tlf.: +45 23385789
E-mail: [Email Address Removed]

1) Find the application form:
Go to http://talent.au.dk/phd/scienceandtechnology/opencalls/
Choose Feb 2018 Call with deadline 1 February 2018 at 11.59 PM MET.
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme Nanoscience