Coherent nonlinear Raman microscopy of the kinetics of DNA synthesis and ribosomal assembly in living cells

Supervisor Prof. Dr. Andreas Zumbusch

University of Konstanz, chemistry department

The Chemistry Department of the University of Konstanz has an opening for a:

PhD candidate in Physics/Chemistry (m/f)

as Early Stage Researcher within the the collaborative research project MUSIQ in the frame of the EU Horizon2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Innovative Training Networks H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018 “MUSIQ: Multiphoton Microscopy and Ultrafast Spectroscopy: Imaging meets Quantum” European Training Network (ETN).

Starting date: tentatively November 2019 ; January 2020 at the latest
Contract for 36 months, full time (39.5 hours/week), Employee and student status

Your Role

The successful candidates will be expected to conduct research under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Andreas Zumbusch with the aim of obtaining a PhD in Physics or Chemistry.

The research project is entitled: ”Coherent nonlinear Raman microscopy of the kinetics of DNA synthesis and ribosomal assembly in living cells” and targets the development and application of an experimental setup suited for coherent Raman imaging studies of cellular processes. Coherent Raman Scattering has recently stirred great interest as contrast generation mechanism which can be exploited for imaging of unlabeled samples. The methods comprise Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) and Stimulated Raman Scattering (SRS) microscopy, both of which offer the advantages of allowing much faster imaging than spontaneous Raman scattering microscopy. The first task of the project will improving the sensitivity of an existing SRS microscope to possibly down to the single molecule detection limit. This will require a modification of the femtosecond near-infrared laser excitation source and the implementation of dedicated lock-in amplification detection schemes. Upon completion, the second part will consist in applying this setup to studies of biological processes in living cells. These experiments will be done in close collaboration with local collaboration partners from the Chemisty and Biology Department. The research activity will be performed within the framework of MUSIQ, an innovative ETN with the unique vision of developing the next-generation optical microscopy exploiting quantum coherent nonlinear phenomena. Through 15 ESR research projects, MUSIQ will establish an intersectoral training and research programme at the physics/chemistry/life science interface with partners from 9 European countries. MUSIQ ESRs will enrol on PhD degree programmes and be employed for 36 months in a beneficiary organisation. The consortium brings together a unique team of world-leading academic groups and industry, at the forefront of optical microscopy technology developments merged with fundamental understanding of ultrafast coherent light-matter interaction phenomena, development of quantitative image analysis tools, and biomedical/pharmaceutical real-world applications. MUSIQ aims at creating the next generation of skilled well-connected scientists that will pioneer the ‘quantum microscopes of tomorrow’. Specific to MUSIQ, in addition to their individual scientific projects, all ESRs will benefit from further continuing education through a dedicated training program in the various fields of expertise of the consortium partners, which includes secondments, a variety of training modules, transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops, conferences and outreach activities. Apart from the interaction within the research consortium, our department offers an outstanding and dynamic environment for PhD candidates, with an extensive seminar program and a doctoral school offering access to a broad variety of training opportunities. As part of the position, the successful candidate will be enrolled as a student for a PhD at the University of Konstanz.

For any additional information, please contact Prof. Dr. Andreas Zumbusch at: [email protected]

Your Profile:

Additional requirements:

Applicants

• MUST at the date of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. ‘Date of Recruitment’ means the first day of the employment of the researcher (i.e. contract starting date). ‘Full-Time Equivalent Research Experience’ is measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctoral degree programme.
  
• MUST NOT have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Germany for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.
  

Further Information

The applications will be reviewed as soon as received. The call will be open until 30 September 2019 unless a candidate is accepted before the deadline.

Documents:

• Letter of motivation, explaining the reasons for applying
  
• Full CV
  
• Transcript of academic records and copies of diploma
  
• Names of at least two references who are willing to write a letter of recommendation on the candidate’s behalf (they may be contacted by us)
  
• Any other relevant documents
  

The University of Konstanz is committed to ensuring an environment that provides equal opportunities and promotes diversity as well as a good balance between university and family life.

As an equal opportunity employer, we strive to increase the number of women working in the field advertised (https://www.uni-konstanz.de/en/equalopportunities/equal-opportunity/).

Persons with disabilities are explicitly encouraged to apply. They will be given preference if appropriately qualified (contact + 49 7531 88–4016).

IMPORTANT: As well as applying to the University of Konstanz, please send your CV with a Cover Letter to the Consortium Coordinator email: [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application with the usual documents until September 30th, 2019.

In the Cover Letter please indicate for which project you are applying and provide a brief motivation as to why you wish to become an ESR within MUSIQ. Please be aware that your CV may be shared with the named beneficiaries within the consortium, as part of the application review process, to ensure an open, transparent and merit based recruitment. Please see the full MUSIQ Data Privacy Notice.