OPEN POSITIONS (MASTER'S, PHD, AND POSTDOC) IN CELL BIOLOGY AND BIOPHYSICS AT ICFO (BARCELONA)

The Single Molecule Biophotonics (SMB) research group led by Prof. Maria Garcia-Parajo at ICFO is offering several positions at the Master's, PhD, and post-doctoral level to work in Cell Biology and Biophysics-related projects under the supervision of Dr. Felix Campelo.

The SMB group is a multidisciplinary group focusing on both the development of advanced optical techniques and their application to the study of a wide range of cellular processes at the nanoscale. The successful candidates will be involved in an interdisciplinary project, with research being conducted at the interface between biology and physics.

PROJECT 1. MULTI-GOLGI: New multidisciplinary approaches to investigate intra-Golgi membrane traffic and the functional role of Golgi-membrane lateral compartmentalization.

The successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms by which secretory cargoes are processed and transported along the Golgi complex. To reach this goal, we will use a unique multidisciplinary approach combining state-of-the-art molecular and cell biological tools with biophysical modeling. Moreover, the candidate will be exposed to advanced imaging techniques, including superresolution microscopy and single molecule approaches. The project will be carried out in collaboration with worldwide leading groups in cell biology and biophysics, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to benefit by a multidisciplinary and international environment.

PROJECT 2. ENLIGHTENING TANGO: Unraveling the biophysical mechanisms of collagen export from the endoplasmic reticulum.

The goal of this project is to unravel the biophysical mechanisms by which large cargoes, such as collagens, are exported from the ER. In particular, we will study the molecular and biophysical mechanisms by which the ER-resident protein TANGO1 controls collagen export. In collaboration with the lab of Prof. Vivek Malhotra at the CRG, Barcelona, we will merge molecular and cell biology techniques with cutting-edge optical nanoscopy (such as 3D STORM imaging, intracellular single particle tracking) and theoretical biophysics into a unique multidisciplinary approach that will deliver the first structural, dynamic and physical understanding of the pathways involved in collagen secretion.

Eligibility and Conditions

• Both physicists eager to work in fundamentally important cell biology problems hand-by-hand with biologists, as well as biologists keen to be part of a multidisciplinary team of biologists and physicists are very much encouraged to apply. When applicable, candidates must hold an internationally recognized master's degree and/or PhD (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) preferably in cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, physics, chemistry or related areas.
• The candidate should have a proven track record of academic excellence. Positively valued will be experience in cell biology, light microscopy and computer programming (e.g. ImageJ, Matlab).
• No restrictions of citizenship apply to the ICFO pre- and post-doctoral contracts.

Application procedure and further information

Informal science and project-related enquiries are very much welcome, and may be addressed to Dr. Felix Campelo (felix.campelo@icfo.eu).

Application information can be found at:
http://jobs.icfo.eu/?detail=318