The PhD work is part of the Marie-Curie Research and Training Network “CARBIO“ – Multifunctional carbon nanotubes for biomedical applications.
"Binding of functionalized CNT to cells and delivery into the cell: A microscopic view"
The CARBIO partners apply a multidisciplinary approach in order to exploit the potential of multi-functional carbon nanotubes (CNT) for biomedical applications.
The objective is to address the microscopic view of internalization and immunogenic effects of CNT on single cells using atomic force microscopy. The internalization of functionalized CNT and the effects on the cell morphology will be studied under physiological conditions (i.e. at room temperature and in buffer solution). Firstly, the uptake of single CNT into an individual cell will be investigated by high resolution topographical imaging. Secondly, the AFM will be used to trace the time-dependent mechanism of CNT uptake and visualize the movements of the CNT being delivered into the cell. Thirdly, after the process of CNT uptake, we aim to visualize the response of the cells in terms of morphology. In the last part, the binding strength of single CNT to the cell surface and the lateral distribution of binding sites will be studied in molecular recognition force spectroscopy experiments. For simultaneous topography and fluorescence measurements, a combined AFM and fluorescence setup is available.
The fellowships are well paid, including a basic living and a mobility allowance (with deductions by national laws) and travel and career exploratory allowances according to the Marie Curie rules. Each fellow will get an employment contract with one partner and will perform secondments at other partners. A generous career development package is included.
CARBIO offers 12 three-years fellowships for Early-Stage-
Researchers (PhD positions) and 4 fellowships for Experienced Researchers (ER). (cf. http://www.carbio.eu)
The applicants must meet the requirements of the Marie-Curie fellowships. E.g., the fellows must be nationals of a state other than the country where they will perform their studies and they
may not have carried out their main activities in that country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the start of the
fellowship. Applicants should be EU citizens.
Organisation - University of Linz
Division/Faculty/Department - Institute for Biophysics
Street - Altenbergerstrasse 69
City - Linz
Postal Code - A-4040
Country - AUSTRIA
Phone - ++43-(0)73224689265
Fax - ++43-(0)73224689270
E-Mail - ferry.kienberger@jku.at
carbio@ifw-dresden.de
Website - http://www.bphys.uni-linz.ac.at/bioph/staf/ferry/kienb.htm
http://www.carbio.eu
Application Deadline - 30/11/2006
Applicants should have a good background in physics, chemistry, or biology. Previous experience in the field of microscopy (e.g. atomic force microscopy or fluorescence microscopy) would be an advantage. Good English skills are mandatory.
