A number of open positions at the PhD level and in case of an exceptional candidate also on the postdoctorial level are currently available in following areas:

DNA templated nanofabrication

Advances in DNA nanotechnology (e.g. the origami method) allow to fabricate large 3D DNA objects with atomic precision in a „cooking pot“ reaction. Our interest is to make use of these methodologies to selfassemble „hard-matter“ materials into nanoelectronic devices in a highly parallelized manner. Hereby the DNA structure provides the template for material deposition. Aim of this project is to fabricate and characterize functional structures combining different materials.
We are looking for excellent applicants with interest in DNA nanotechnology and nanoelectronics/-photonics. A background in physics/physical chemistry/ nanotechnology is desirable but more important are the interest in material design and synthesis, motivation, analytical skills and strong commitment.

Single-molecule biophysics

Cellular processes are driven by complex biomolecular machines. We are focusing on deciphering the mechanisms of such systems using and developing new, sensitive methods that allow to study a single molecule at a time. In the framework of an ERC funded project we search for colleagues joining our efforts on DNA repair as well as CRISPR-Cas enzymes using correlative force & fluorescence spectroscopy, highly parallelized single molecule measurements and live cell experiments.

Nucleic acid recognition & restructuring by highly flexible proteins

Within the framework of a collaborative project between the University of Zürich and University of Leipzig, we have an open PhD position to fill immediately. The candidate for this project will dissect the biophysical mechanisms of nucleic acid recognition and unwinding by a class of proteins termed Cold Shock Proteins (Csps). Csps ensure continued survival of bacteria after severe temperature drops. The project will be based primarily on correlated measurements involving single molecule fluorescence and nanomechanical experiments (magnetic tweezers). The candidate will monitor and model the ligand- and temperature-dependent conformational states and dynamics of the Csp proteins.