We are seeking a highly motivated engineer to join our dynamic research team and contribute to the exciting field of liquid/liquid phase separations (LLPS) in protein mixtures. You will have the opportunity to utilize cutting-edge light scattering techniques and diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS) to investigate the underlying mechanisms and driving forces behind LLPS.
The focus of our project lies in the study of membrane-less cellular compartments formed through LLPS, with a particular emphasis on a well-defined biological system employed by the rabies virus to construct viral factories. This unique system exhibits reversible and reproducible phase separation, providing an excellent platform to explore the structure, colloidal forces, and factors influencing LLPS in biological systems.
Your primary responsibility will be the development of a minimalist model system that closely mimics the virus-induced organelles. This will involve reconstituting LLPS using model proteins and conducting an in-depth characterization of the resulting aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). Your expertise in light scattering techniques and diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS) will be instrumental in unraveling the structural organization of proteins within the concentrated phase and mapping the response of the ATPS to variations in electrolyte type, concentration, and osmotic pressure. We anticipate employing a range of advanced techniques, including light, X-ray, and neutron scattering, to gain valuable insights into the formation of LLPS. Furthermore, a significant aspect of this project will involve your contribution to the development of a specialized osmotic pressure cell. This cell will enable precise and controlled measurements of osmotic pressure during small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments, allowing us to investigate the link between LLPS and osmotic pressure.
To thrive in this role, you should possess a strong background in engineering, with a specialization in biophysics, soft matter, or colloidal systems. Prior experience in employing light scattering techniques, diffusion wave spectroscopy (DWS), and osmotic pressure/SAXS experiments would be highly advantageous.
This is an outstanding opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the interface of viral biology and physical chemistry. If you possess an unwavering passion for unraveling the mysteries of liquid/liquid phase separations in protein mixtures, we warmly invite you to join our team.

As part of our transdisciplinary team, which combines expertise in viral biology and classical physical chemistry of colloids, you will collaborate closely with fellow researchers to decipher the underlying physicochemical principles that drive proteins to induce LLPS. Furthermore, your work will have a profound impact across various scientific areas, including fundamental biology, medical sciences, pharmacology, and drug design.