The Institute of Biophysics  at the Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU Linz), Austria, announces an immediate opening for 2 PhD Positions on High Speed and Molecular Recognition Microscopy. The contract will be embedded in the project Molecular Recognition of Antibodies studies with high Speed AFM funded by the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF). PI in this research project is Prof. Peter Hinterdorfer. Another 2 PhD Positions on DNA Nanotechnology and Atomic Force Microscopy are immediately open as well. The contract of the latter opening will be embedded in the project Biomolecular recognition and selective transport within nanoscale confined space funded by the Austrian Science Foundation (FWF). PIs in this collaborative research project are Prof. Stefan Howorka (DNA Origami) and Prof. Peter Hinterdorfer (Atomic Force Microscopy).

Requirements for the first project

Degree and Master on any field of Biophysics, Physics, Biology or Biochemistry (completed before the contract starting date); Multidisciplinary qualifications (Physics/Bio); Knowledge of Atomic Force Microscopy, specifically Force Spectroscopy and High Speed Atomic Force microscopy will be a plus.

Requirements for the second project

Degree and Master on any field of Physics, Biophysics or Engineering (PhD 1), or Chemistry or Biochemistry (PhD 2) (completed before the contract starting date); Multidisciplinary qualifications (Physics/Bio, Engineering/Bio etc.); Knowledge of Atomic Force Microscopy (PhD 1) or DNA Nanotechnology (PhD 2) will be a plus.

Other requirements

High level of English and good communication skills; Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records; Ability to organise and prioritise own work and organise research within the project schedule; Computer literacy, analytical skills and effective team working.

We offer

3 years PhD contract. Competitive salary with all social benefits of a regular employment (envisaged starting date: March 1st 2018). Stimulating, interdisciplinary research and high quality international scientific environment. The minimum salary in accordance with the collective agreement is € 2071,00 gross per month (14x per year).

Interested applicants should send their CV, full academic sheet (including scientific background, training and expertise, research interest, motivation for joining the project), publication list, cover letter and two references to: peter.hinterdorfer@jku.at  and s.howorka@ucl.ac.uk (Application deadline: February 1st, 2018).

The Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz supports future-oriented academic degree programs, excellence in teaching and research, numerous partnerships in Austria and abroad, and a unique campus with park-like grounds. JKU has become a cutting-edge institution for science, academics, business and the community. Over 19,000 students are enrolled in over 60 modern, hands-on academic degree programs that have outstanding career prospects. The Institute of Biophysics at JKU (www.jku.at/biophysics/content) employs about 70 people with 7 permanent scientists. The research of the AFM group lead by Prof. Hinterdorfer is focused around nanoscopic techniques in life science, bio-nano technology, and medical diagnostics. In particular, the research covers molecular recognition, molecular dynamics, and transport in several molecular and cellular systems. The research activities of Prof. Howorka are within the field of bionanotechnology and aim on the rational design of biomimetic membrane-active nanostructures including nanopores for biotechnological applications (www.howorkalab.com).