Doctoral Researchers (PhD students) in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines

Molecular Nanoengineering group at the Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University (Finland),

is looking for motivated and talented doctoral researchers (PhD students) with an aptitude for interdisciplinary experimental research and interest in DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly, active plasmonics and artificial molecular machines.

The positions are fully funded by the ERC Consolidator Grant “Electrically driven DNA-origami-based machines” (EDRIVE).

Your role and goals

You will work on design, fabrication, and characterization of electrically driven nanoscale molecular machines. As a member of the group, you will be trained in advanced methods in DNA nanotechnology (especially DNA origami), and state-of-the-art electron beam and optical microscopy and nanoscopy techniques. Depending on the background and scientific interests, your research will be directed either towards i) fabrication of active plasmonic surfaces and biosensors; or ii) construction of artificial molecular motors. We expect you to propose and develop scientific ideas and technical solutions (both individually and as part of a team), write scientific articles and contribute to teaching.  

Your experience and background

We expect the candidates to hold a MSc degree and/or have solid background at least in one of the following areas: applied physics, bionanotechnology, physical chemistry, material science, chemical engineering.  Previous experience in nanomicroscopy (AFM, TEM, SEM), DNA nanotechnology, colloidal synthesis, super resolution microscopy and nanophotonics is an advantage. Furthermore, the candidate should have good communication skills, good analytical and experimental skills and ability to work independently toward the goals of his/her project.

The position requires excellent written and spoken English.

Your team

The Molecular Nanoengineering group operates at the interface of nanoscience, DNA nanotechnology, molecular self-assembly and nanophotonics with particular focus on DNA-based self-assembled systems with functionalities tailored for biosensing, active plasmonics and nanomachinery. The group is led by Associate Professor Anton Kuzyk.

For examples of our previous research see

https://scholar.google.fi/citations?user=yL5QQkwAAAAJ&hl=en

What we offer

The expected duration of doctoral studies is four years. The initial contract is made for one year and the extension is subject to the progress of studies and research. Starting salary is approximately 2600€/month and will increase over time according to the salary system of Aalto University. The contract includes Aalto University occupational healthcare.

Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering is located at the Aalto University Otaniemi Campus which provides highly motivating multidisciplinary international research environment with excellent facilities and instrumentation.

Get to know our campus via Aalto University Virtual Tour.

Ready to apply

Apply through the link "Apply now" at the bottom right corner of this page, and include the following items as pdf documents in English (maximum 5 docs each max 5mb) :

• Curriculum vitae (no size limit)
• Transcript of academic records (no size limit)
• Description of research skills, experience and publications (no size limit)
• Short statement of interest and motivation (max 1 page)
• Recommendation letter(s) or names and contact details of your previous supervisors

The positions will be filled as soon as suitable candidates are identified.

More Information

Contact Prof. Anton Kuzyk (anton.kuzyk@aalto.fi) for additional information on the research topics and HR Partner Maarit Pietiäinen on the application process (maarit.pietiainen@aalto.fi ). Please check the guidelines for doctoral admission at Aalto University (https://into.aalto.fi/display/endoctoralsci/How+to+apply).

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