| Posted: October 9, 2007 |
PhD fellowships - Nanoscale approaches to bacterial biofilms |
|
(Nanowerk News) As part of a new interdisciplinary research programme supported jointly by the Danish Strategic Research Council and Technical University of Denmark (DTU), “Nanoscale Investigations of Biological Surfaces and Biofilms by Scanning Probe Microscopy”, two Ph.D. fellowships are open. The positions are available for a period of 3 years.
|
|
Usually harmless bacteria living in close association with humans have the capacity to form surface-bound biofilms on biological membranes or on solid surfaces. Biofilms may cause severe infection problems if they colonize surfaces of indwelling medical devices and artificial body parts. In the biofilm state these bacteria are highly tolerant to antimicrobial treatments and to the immune system and thus may cause severe problems for the patients.
|
|
Together with partners at other universities and in industry and the medical world, BioCentrum and Department of Chemistry have launched a new research programme with the objectives of mapping bacterial surface adhesion and biofilm growth close to the level of molecular interactions with the solid surfaces. Core technologies include microbiology and biological surface science techniques. The latter include confocal microscopy and particularly atomic force microscopy and chemical surface science. Instrument development and testing will be part of the programme. Mapping and understanding of biofilm formation and growth at such high levels of structural resolution will offer new strategies towards inhibition of biofilm growth and improved hospital procedures. Our Ph.D.- and other students work in an enthusiastic scientific environment with wide national and international networks. In addition, DTU offers a broad range of supporting courses in a well-developed graduate school programme.
|
|
Candidates should hold a master’s degree in physics, chemistry or microbiology and have a strong interest in endeavouring into an exciting new interdisciplinary biologically oriented nanotechnology programme. They will work together or communicate with partners all the way from universities, industry and to the medical world.
|
|
Irrespective of age, gender and religious, ethnic and other background, interested candidates are encouraged to submit an application with CV and other relevant information.
|
|
Applications should be sent to: Anita K. Nielsen, BioCentrum-DTU, Building 227, DTU, DK-2800 Lyngby, or to Jette Nilsson, Department of Chemistry, Building 207, DTU, DK-2800 Lyngby by December 3, 2007 at 12.00.
|
|
For further information, please contact: Professor Søren Molin, Infection Microbiology Group, BioCentrum, +45 45252513, e-mail [email protected] or Professor Jens Ulstrup, Bioinorganic Chemistry Group, Department of Chemistry, +45 45252359, e-mail [email protected].
|
|
More information on terms of study and employment may be found at http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Phd_Education.aspx
|
|
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students - http://www.dtu.dk/English/education/Phd_Education/salary.aspx.
|
