Design of stimuli-responsive coacervates for the spatiotemporal control over signaling between artificial micro-compartments
Details of the Position
- Start date: 1st August 2022
- Duration: 3 years
- Monthly Fellowship (INR): 50,760 (1st year)
- Last date to apply: 15th July, 2022
Overview.
The aim of this project is to achieve precise manipulation of enzymatically active microcompartments to quantitatively study chemical signaling. Our approach relies on the design of stimuli responsive coacervates produced by “liquid-liquid phase separation” to exert spatiotemporal control over signaling between micro-compartments. The project is highly interdisciplinary. The post-doc will join the group of Prof. Pavan Kumar B.V.V.S. at IIT Roorkee, in collaboration with Prof. Nicolas Martin (CNRS, France). Especially welcome are applications from candidates with a background in chemistry, soft matter, or
material or colloidal science. The position is for a duration of 3 years starting August 2022.
Project Description
The design of cell-inspired microcompartments able to communicate with each other via chemical signaling represents a promising step to the synthesis of new materials with life-like properties. The overall aim of this project is to achieve precise manipulation of enzymatically active microcompartments to quantitatively study chemical signaling. The postdoc will design and characterize new light- and pH- responsive coacervates, and study their interaction with model compartments to achieve spatiotemporal
control over their positions and subsequently reaction channeling.
Perks of the position. The project involves two visits (1 month each) to the group of Prof. Nicolas Martin in the University of Bordeaux, France. This would provide optimal exposure to the candidate to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international workspace.
Expected candidate’s profile
Candidates must hold a PhD, preferentially in the fields of chemistry, soft matter, or material or colloidal science. The ideal candidate should be self-motivated and organised, with the ability to communicate effectively in English. She/he should also show strong interest in working in a team
that is part of an interdisciplinary research environment.
Work Environment
The project is funded by CEFIPRA, the Indo French Centre for the Promotion of
Advanced Research, and will take place at the Dynamic Colloidal Systems (DCS) Lab (Department of Chemistry, IIT Roorkee). The lab provides an inspiring and collaborative working environment, together with cutting-edge facilities for synthesis, soft matter characterization and microscopy. The candidate will be
supervised by Prof. B.V.V.S. Pavan Kumar in collaboration with Prof. Nicolas Martin (University of Bordeaux).
How to Apply
Application: To apply for the position, please send your CV, cover letter and research statement including
past research and future research in-line with project description given above, by email to:
pavan.bosukonda@cy.iitr.ac.in. and nicolas.martin@crpp.cnrs.fr
Dr. B.V.V.S Pavan Kumar
Department of Chemistry
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Uttarakhand (India)
Dr. Nicolas Martin
Centre de Recherche Paul Pascal
University of Bordeaux
Roorkee, 33600 Pessac (France)