Using microfluidics to observe and manipulate coacervate droplets

Job description

We are looking for a 4-year PhD candidate to join our nationally funded, multi-partner research consortium, Towards De-Novo Life. The main aim of this interdisciplinary project is to achieve minimal life based on chemical rather than biological components such as DNA, proteins or other macromolecules. Our PhD candidate will contribute by developing new microfluidic tools to work with micrometer-sized coacervate droplets, the compartments in which chemical replication, growth and evolution will take place.

What are you going to do?

The de-novo synthesis of life requires integrating the essential features of life, which include replication (the ability to copy oneself), metabolism (promoting the formation of one’s own components from material in the environment) and compartmentalization (keeping the internal components together and separate from the environment) into a system that is maintained out of equilibrium. Key to the creation of a minimal form of life is Darwinian evolution of the resulting synthetic cell-like systems. Serving as the compartments in our work are coacervate microdroplets, consisting of a very dense aqueous phase containing a high concentration of macromolecules. Because coacervates can exist in dilute aqueous phases without loss of droplet structure, they can act as cell-like spheres without the need of a membrane to contain their content.

In this project, you will use microfluidics to create a first-generation platform to achieve growth and division of micrometer-sized coacervate droplets. You will then consider populations of coacervate droplets confined in a second, more complex microfluidic platform, monitoring their growth and mutation rates. “Mother” droplets will be followed alongside their “daughters” using fluorescence microscopy, with addition of precursor materials (“nutrients”) and random removal of individuals (“death”).

Requirements

We are looking for someone who meets the following qualifications:

Essential qualifications

•         MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering, Physical or Analytical Chemistry, or related disciplines
•         Demonstrated hands-on experience with microfabrication and microfluidics
•         Experience with fluorescence imaging
•         Enthusiasm, self-motivation, creativity, and team spirit
•         Ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment
•         Excellent communication skills in English (verbal and written)

Preferred qualifications

•         Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) for data analysis
•         Ability to design and implement microcontroller-based control systems (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, etc.)
•         Experience with synthetic organic chemistry

Conditions of employment

What can you expect from us?

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

Employer

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

Additional information

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Elisabeth Verpoorte (Full Professor): E.M.J.Verpoorte@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Elisabeth Verpoorte (Full Professor): E.M.J.Verpoorte@rug.nl