PhD Position 1: Supervised by Orestis Andriotis and Philipp Thurner, Insitute of Lightweight Design and Structural Biomechanics, TUWien

PhD Position 2: Supervised by Gerhard Schütz, Institute of Applied Physics, TUWien

The positions are part of the project “Combined optical single molecule and atomic force microscopy to elucidate enzyme-induced collagen degradation kinetics” funded by the Vienna and Technology Fund (WWTF). Here, we want to observe in real-time the spatiotemporal changes upon collagen fibril degradation by combining single molecule fluorescence microscopy (SMFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) microscopy. PhD candidate 1 will develop AFM experimental protocols to observe and quantify the enzyme activity on the morphological and mechanical properties of collagen fibrils. PhD candidate 2 will focus on developing SMFM protocols for tracking enzymes on collagen fibril substrates. The two candidates will eventually combine their experimental techniques to simultaneously track and observe the phenomena and changes during collagen fibril degradation.

We offer:

• A 4-years PhD contract
• Competitive salary with all social benefits of a regular employment according to the  regulations of the Austrian Science Fund (FWF) (currently 2,205.00 per month, 14x annual installments). Envisaged starting date: flexible
• High quality international scientific environment and stimulating/interdisciplinary research

Requirements:

PhD Position 1

•     Masters degree in  Biomedical Engineering, Physics, Mechanical Engineering or a related disciplin
•     High level of English and good communication skills
•     Multidisciplinary qualifications, knowledge of atomic force microscopy  are desirable.
•     Experience with AFM and/or collagen fibril mechanics are desirable

PhD Position 2

•     Masters degree in (Bio-)Chemistry, (Bio-)Physics or a related area
•     High level of English and good communication skills
•     Multidisciplinary qualifications, knowledge of fluorescence microscopy are desirable.

Interested applicants should send their CV (including scientific background, training and expertise, research interest, motivation for joining the project, copies of academic certificates, publication list and two references) to orestis.andriotis@tuwien.ac.at or schuetz@iap.tuwien.ac.at.