Internships Highly Confined Biopolymers

Recent in vitro observations of the Biological Soft Matter group at AMOLF show that F-actin confined to engineered microchambers adopt striking patterns that reveal an intricate interplay between the confining geometry and the intrinsic tendency of stiff polymers to align in a liquid-crystal-like manner. In order to understand these phenomena we are developing both computer simulations and theoretical models.

Research / Job description
The living cell of all eukaryotic organisms has a dynamical “skeleton” composed of different types of fairly stiff biopolymers, collectively called the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton confers mechanical properties to cells, allowing them e.g. to maintain their shape, but also serves as a transport network. An important example of a cytoskeletal polymer is F-actin, which is a semi-flexible polymer with a persistence length of ~15µm and can reach lengths of several micrometers. As the length of these polymers becomes comparable to that of the dimensions of the cells, F-actin networks should be affected by the physical confinement. We are trying to understand the influence such confinement on the structure and organization of these networks. Recent in vitro observations of the Biological Soft Matter group at AMOLF show that F-actin confined to engineered microchambers adopt striking patterns that reveal an intricate interplay between the confining geometry and the intrinsic tendency of stiff polymers to align in a liquid-crystal-like manner. In order to understand these phenomena we are developing both computer simulations and theoretical models.  You will be involved in setting up, running and analyzing such simulations under the guidance of the PhD-student responsible for this project.

About the group Theory of Biomolecular Matter

Required qualifications
You have a Bachelors degree in physics, chemistry and participate in a Master study in one of these areas with a strong theoretical component. Experience with statistical physics and/or computer simulation appreciated. 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 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:
Prof.dr. Bela Mulder
Group leader Theory of Biomolecular Matter
E-mail: mulderATamolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

Applications can be sent to:
FOM Institute AMOLF
P&O dept.
Postbus 41883
1009 DB  Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: applicationATamolf.nl

Please quote vacancy # 1106.32

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

Online screening may be part of the selection.