POSITIONS OPEN IN THE LAB AS OF JULY 2020
Two PhD Positions
- Biological nanopores for single-molecule sensing
Nanopore sensing is a powerful single-molecule approach currently developed for the precise detection of biomolecules, as for instance in DNA and protein sequencing. Our laboratory is developing this technology exploiting the properties of biological pores. Recently, we showed that aerolysin, a pore-forming toxin, exhibits high sensitivity for single-molecule detection and can be ad hoc engineered for different sensing tasks. The goal of this project is to develop and characterize aerolysin-based nanopores as sensing devices to be applied for genome sequencing, proteomic analysis and disease diagnosis. The project is highly interdisciplinary, includes experimental and computational aspects and interactions with a diverse network of collaborators. Students with a background in biochemistry, physics, bioengineering and computational sciences are encouraged to apply.
- Integrative modeling at the membrane-protein interface
Molecular interfaces are essential for the formation and regulation of all assemblies that sustain life, to define cellular boundaries and intracellular organization, and to mediate communication with the outer environment. Our laboratory has been studying the molecular mechanisms governing the association of proteins to their membrane interfaces in order to understand the functional implications of this interplay. Multiple projects are available that focus on the theoretical and computational investigation of the structural and dynamic properties of membrane protein systems. All of them are addressed in synergy with experimental collaborators to allow for an efficient integration of biochemical and biophysical data. Students with a background in biochemistry, physics, bioengineering and computational sciences are encouraged to apply.
One postdoc position in biological nanopores for single-molecule sensing
Nanopore sensing is a powerful single-molecule approach currently developed for the precise detection of biomolecules, as for instance in DNA and protein sequencing. Our laboratory is developing this technology exploiting the properties of biological pores. Recently, we showed that aerolysin, a pore-forming toxin, exhibits high sensitivity for single-molecule detection and can be ad hoc engineered for different sensing tasks. The goal of this project is to develop and characterize aerolysin-based nanopores as sensing devices to be applied for genome sequencing, proteomic analysis and disease diagnosis. The project is highly interdisciplinary, includes experimental and computational aspects and interactions with a diverse network of collaborators. The ideal candidate should hold a PhD degree from one of the following fields, biochemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, analytical chemistry or computational sciences.
EPFL is a highly international environment with English as the main language. We are located at Lausanne, next to a city has been ranked the best city in the world with a population under 200,000.
Motivated candidates are encouraged to contact Prof. Dal Peraro.
Research projects for master, bachelor and summer students
Mid-term projects within the existing lines of research of the lab are frequently available within the different internship schemes of the master schools. Interested students (also at the Bachelor level) can visit the Teaching section and are invited to contact Prof. Dal Peraro by email or personally at my office (AAB 048). International students at the master and bachelor level can have the opportunity to join our lab for a summer internship applying to the Summer Research Program hosted every year by the School of Life Sciences.