Job description:
Being very efficient catalysts, enzymes are essential for all biological processes and find a broad range of applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Despite their importance still little is known about the factors that determine the activity and specificity of enzymes. They are dynamic molecules and dynamic processes are considered to play a role in the catalytic reaction. Looking at the activity of single enzyme molecules allows the monitoring of these dynamic processes. We aim to understand how changes in enzymatic activity correlate with changes in the observed dynamics.
We will systematically modify the activity of enzymes with a number of different approaches (such as mutations, allosteric effectors, the reactions conditions or artificial modifications) and study the effect of the modification at the single enzyme level. The project involves the preparation of enzyme and substrate molecules, single molecule fluorescence measurements and data analysis. The project will be tailored depending on the experience and the interests of the candidate.
The position is available immediately.
Requirements:
We are searching for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in biophysics, organic chemistry or protein chemistry/protein engineering. Experience in more than one of these areas is highly appreciated. The projects are multidisciplinary and involve collaborations with other groups at the IMM as well as a number of external collaborations. The candidates should have a strong interest in a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach. Team spirit and communication are crucial for a successful development of the projects.
Being very efficient catalysts, enzymes are essential for all biological processes and find a broad range of applications in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Despite their importance still little is known about the factors that determine the activity and specificity of enzymes. They are dynamic molecules and dynamic processes are considered to play a role in the catalytic reaction. Looking at the activity of single enzyme molecules allows the monitoring of these dynamic processes. We aim to understand how changes in enzymatic activity correlate with changes in the observed dynamics.
We will systematically modify the activity of enzymes with a number of different approaches (such as mutations, allosteric effectors, the reactions conditions or artificial modifications) and study the effect of the modification at the single enzyme level. The project involves the preparation of enzyme and substrate molecules, single molecule fluorescence measurements and data analysis. The project will be tailored depending on the experience and the interests of the candidate.
The position is available immediately.
Requirements:
We are searching for highly motivated candidates with a strong background in biophysics, organic chemistry or protein chemistry/protein engineering. Experience in more than one of these areas is highly appreciated. The projects are multidisciplinary and involve collaborations with other groups at the IMM as well as a number of external collaborations. The candidates should have a strong interest in a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach. Team spirit and communication are crucial for a successful development of the projects.