The Nanoscience Cooperative Research Center CIC nanoGUNE, created with the mission of conducting world-class nanoscience research for the competitive growth of the Basque Country and recently recognized as a "María de Maeztu" Excellence Unit (2017-2021), is currently looking for a

POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER

to work on

Nanoscale water on plant and mammalian viruses

CIC nanoGUNE, located in San Sebastian, Basque Country (Spain), is a R&D center conducting basic and applied research in nanoscience and nanotechnology, fostering training and education excellence, and supporting the growth of a nanotechnology-based industry.

The Self assembly group at the CIC nanoGUNE Research Center in San Sebastian (Spain) works since the start, 2009, in close collaboration with the other groups, on biomolecular self-assembly, plant viruses, electrospinning, and on ultrathin water layers. Water inside cells is nearly always confined, but our specialty is the interface with moist air (water vapour). We aim at exploring the nanotopography of liquid water, which is unknown territory in science. It is, however, a key factor in virus transmission. 

Work plan:

We will dissolve a range of chemical substances, starting with proteins, in solvents of high vapour pressure (to aid their evaporation in the electrospinning jet). Applying a high voltage to a single droplet creates a jet, which we will observe with a high speed camera and collect on a flat surface. Microscopic methods will then check for morphology and especially diameter. We will analyse structure and chemical composition with a nearly complete arsenal of nanomethods:  SEM, STEM, AFM, IR spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and powder XRD.

The initial technicques of the work that we offer in-depth experience comprise the following:

• Noncontact AFM of liquid water on soft matter (virions) in water vapour in air
• Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) of liquid water on virions, in water vapour
• “WetSTEM", same conditions, but in transmission, resolution  ca. 1 nm
• Vacuum high-resolution SEM, resolution well below 1 nm

A successful applicant will possess the following:

• PhD in chemistry or physics
• Experience in Polypeptide or polymer physical chemistry
• Training in characterisation methods, specifically DLS, IR/Raman spectroscopy and mass spectroscopy

Offer:

The contract will be for 12 months in collaboration with CIC biomaGUNE on peptides; collaboration within the current Elkartek project. The position is available from June 2020.

The candidates should apply by completing the form below, attaching: 

• A cover letter, a complete CV, academic qualifications and at least one reference letter grouped in a single PDF file.

NOTES:

* NanoGUNE values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. 

* Applicants should stick to the following instructions for submitting their applications.

* Please note that due to the large number of submissions expected, we cannot provide individual feedback.