Internship Building artificial cells in microfabricated chambers

The aim of this project is to understand how cells organize their shape and internal organization.

Research / Job description
The aim of this project is to understand how cells organize their shape and internal organization. It is known that the shape and strength of cells depends on the cytoskeleton, a network of stiff biopolymers with the unusual ability to actively generate forces using molecular motors. However, the physical mechanisms underlying cellular organization and shape are unclear. Here, we will reconstitute in vitro protein networks that mimic cellular behavior in microfabricated chambers, and use confocal microscopy to characterize the network architecture and microrheology to quantify the elastic properties.

About the group Biological Soft Matter

Required qualifications
You have a Bachelors-degree in physics, chemistry or biology and participate in a Master in one of these areas. You have a nationality of an EU-member state or if not, you are a student at a Netherlands University. You must be available for at least 6 months.

Terms of employment
In the beginning of your placement, along with your supervisor at AMOLF, you will make a step-by-step plan in which working conditions and supervision will be agreed on. If the training period is to last longer than two months, an agreement will also be established in which things like compensation will be fixed.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Gijsje Koenderink
Phone: +31 (0)20 754 7100

Applications can be sent to:
FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
trainee.applicantATamolf.nl

Please quote vacancy #0705.3700/3

Please send your:
- Résumé;
- List of courses followed so far, and grades obtained.