Internship Using FRET to study individuality of bacteria

In this project you will learn how to measure signalling dynamics in live cells using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), how to quantitatively analyze image data and how to study the response of signalling networks using physical models.

Research / Job description
The aim of this project is to measure the response of single bacterial cells within a population to reveal cell-to-cell differences in the way they respond to identical stimuli. Bacteria are the simplest forms of life, highly amenable to physical experiments, yet exhibit many complex behaviours via networks of protein molecules. Because of their small size, however, bacterial behaviour is particularly susceptible to ‘noise’ arising from thermal fluctuations and the finite number of molecules that make up a cell. In this project you will learn how to measure signalling dynamics in live cells using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), how to quantitatively analyze image data and how to study the response of signalling networks using physical models.

About the group Systems Biology

Required qualifications
You have a Bachelors degree in physics, chemistry or biology and participate in a Master study 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 3 months.

Terms of traineeship
At the start of the traineeship your trainee plan will be set out, in consultation with your AMOLF supervisor. A trainee contract will be established, including a small allowance.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Tom Shimizu
Group leader Physical Systems Biology
E-mail: t.shimizuATamolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7242

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

Please quote vacancy # 1012.26

Please annex your:
-  Resume;
-  List of followed courses plus grades.