PhD Chemistry/Chemical Engineering: Transmembrane transport studies in artificial systems | Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Job Information:
Organization: Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB)
Research Fields: Molecular Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Position Type: PhD Positions
Location: Belgium
Application Deadline: 14 September 2024, 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
Contract Type: Temporary
Employment Status: Full-time
Working Hours: 38 hours per week
Start Date: 1 October 2024
EU Research Framework Programme Funding: Not funded by an EU programme
Relation to Research Infrastructure: Not related to a staff position within a research infrastructure.
Offer Description:
Job Summary:
A 4-year PhD fellowship with a monthly stipend of €2460 is available at the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in Brussels. This opportunity is for a highly motivated Chemist, Chemical Engineer, or Bioengineer to research artificial transmembrane transport systems using spectroscopic and microfluidic techniques
Project
This PhD fellowship is offered in the context of a collaboration project between Dr. Hennie Valkenier in the Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems (EMNS) and Dr. Benoit Scheid in the Transfers, Interfaces and Processes (TIPs)laboratory. The research project aims at the development of methods to study artificial transmembrane transporters for ions in liposomes and in Giant Unilamellar Vesicles prepared by microfluidic strategies.
Selected publications:
The Lucigenin Assay: Measuring Anion Transport in Lipid Vesicles. Analysis & Sensing2023, e202300044. https://doi.org/10.1002/anse.202300044
Transmembrane Transport of Phosphate by a Strapped Calix[4]pyrrole. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2023, 145, 16310–16314. https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.3c04631
Microfluidic droplet generation based on non-embedded co-flow-focusing using 3D printed nozzle. Scientific Reports2020 10, 21616. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-77836-y
PhD Job Description:
The selected candidate will work under the guidance of Dr. Hennie Valkenier in the EMNS lab, with additional supervision from Dr. Benoit Scheid in the TIPS lab. The research focus includes:
- The study of transmembrane transport processes of ions in Large Unilamellar Vesicles (LUVs or liposomes) by fluorescence spectroscopy.
- The development of methods to prepare Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) by microfluidic strategies, in close collaboration with a postdoc in the TIPs lab.
- The study of transmembrane transport processes and synthetic transporters in GUVs.
The successful applicant will collaborate closely with team members from both the EMNS and TIPS laboratories. English and French are the primary languages used in the laboratory, with all research outcomes being communicated in English through presentations, written reports, and publications. Participation in international conferences is encouraged.
Requirements
- Research Fields:
- Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Biomaterial Engineering
- Education Level: Master’s degree or equivalent in the relevant fields
- Skills/Qualifications:
- Outstanding academic performance, particularly in the Master’s thesis
- Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Creativity and problem-solving abilities
- Well-developed logical and critical thinking skills
- Excellent communication skills in English
Specific Requirements
- Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of Organic Chemistry and Supramolecular Chemistry
- Familiarity with optical spectroscopy concepts
- Language:
- English: Proficiency at an excellent level
Additional Information
- Benefits:
- A tax-free fellowship of approximately €2460/month
- A pleasant work environment with access to on-site amenities, including a medical center, sports center, subsidized campus restaurants, cultural center, daycare, and children’s activities
- Affordable private hospitalization insurance
- For EU citizens and citizens from countries with a bilateral social security agreement with Belgium: social security coverage including medical insurance, unemployment benefits, retirement pension, maternity leave, and child benefits
- For non-EU citizens from countries without a bilateral social security agreement with Belgium: social security coverage including medical insurance, maternity leave, and child benefits
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to applicants of any nationality
- Must hold or be on track to obtain a Master’s degree or equivalent in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Bioengineering, or a related field within five years by the application deadline (no later than September 2024)
- Must not have worked as a university assistant in Belgium for more than 365 days in total before the start of the doctoral fellowship
- Selection Process:
- Applicants should complete the online form available at the provided link at the end of the page
- Submit a single PDF file named “YourName.pdf” containing:
- A motivation letter addressed to Dr. Hennie Valkenier, detailing your interest in the position, your motivation for pursuing a PhD, and why you are the best candidate considering the listed skills and requirements
- A CV, including publications or presentations, if applicable
- A copy of your Master’s degree, including the transcript of records (accepted in English, French, or Dutch)
- A summary of your Master’s thesis in English
- The selection process begins as soon as applications from competitive candidates are received and will remain open until the position is filled
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in online interviews
- Incomplete applications or those not meeting the criteria will be automatically rejected without notification
Additional Comments:
- The PhD position will start on 1 October 2024
- The fellowship is initially awarded for 12 months and can be renewed annually for up to 4 years based on positive evaluations
- For any inquiries, please contact emns@ulb.be
PhD Work Location(s)
- Number of Positions Available: 1
- Organization: Université libre de Bruxelles
- Country: Belgium
- City: Brussels
- Postal Code: 1050
- Street: Av. Paul Héger
