In the Department of Chemistry, division of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, a PhD position is available in the laboratory of professor Xin Shi.
Website unit

Project

Our society relies on machines and engines, and so does life itself. Molecular motors are found throughout biological systems, where their intricate structures and precise functions drive essential cellular processes. The exciting challenge we now face is: can we build such motors from the bottom up, at the nanoscale?

In the ERC-funded project MembraneMachines, we aim to redesign and construct these extraordinary biological nanomachines within lipid membranes using DNA nanotechnology. We are looking for a highly motivated experimentalist to join our team in this 4-year PhD project.

The successful candidate will take the lead in designing and constructing the next generation of DNA-based nanoscale motors (in particular, translational motors) embedded in lipid bilayers. This will involve:

- Designing and folding DNA nanostructures.

- Work with lipid bilayers and liposomes

- Using single-channel electrophysiology to manipulate and control the motors.

- Investigating interactions with lipid bilayers and vesicles.

- Observing motor motion and evaluating performance with single-molecule localisation fluorescence microscopy.

Profile

We are looking for candidates who have:

- A Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, or a related discipline.

- A strong interest in nanotechnology, synthetic biology, and/or membrane biophysics.

- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

- A collaborative and curious mindset.

- Experience with biological or solid-state nanopores, DNA nanotechnology, single-molecule microscopy, or programming/data analysis (e.g., Python, MATLAB) is a strong plus but not strictly required.

Offer

- A 4-year, fully funded PhD position supported by an ERC Starting Grant.

- An initial 1-year contract, extended upon positive evaluation.

- A stimulating research environment within KU Leuven and the Arenberg Doctoral School.

- A flexible starting date, but no later than 1 October 2025.

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. Xin Shi, tel.: +32 16 37 72 85, mail: [email protected].

KU Leuven strives for an inclusive, respectful and socially safe environment. We embrace diversity among individuals and groups as an asset. Open dialogue and differences in perspective are essential for an ambitious research and educational environment. In our commitment to equal opportunity, we recognize the consequences of historical inequalities. We do not accept any form of discrimination based on, but not limited to, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, ethnic or national background, skin colour, religious and philosophical diversity, neurodivergence, employment disability, health, or socioeconomic status. For questions about accessibility or support offered, we are happy to assist you at this email address.

Informatie over de vacature

Functienaam

PhD Position: DNA-Based Artificial Nanomachines in Lipid Membranes

Werkgever

KU Leuven

Locatie

Oude Markt 13 Leuven, België

Gepubliceerd

2025-04-19

Uiterste sollicitatiedatum

2025-05-31 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2025-05-31 23:59 (CET)

Soort functie

PhD

Vakgebied

Nanotechnologie, Biochemie, Biofysica

Nu solliciteren

Baan opslaan

Meer vacatures bij deze werkgever

Vacatures weergeven in Engels, Nederlands Instellingen wijzigen

KU Leuven

Leuven, België

Dienst Studentenbegeleiding - dt. prakijkassistent (10%) - monitor Romeins recht

De Dienst Studentenbegeleiding staat in voor de monitoraatswerking, studieloopbaanbegeleiding en ombudsdienst voor de studenten van de Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid en Criminologische Wetenschappen. ...

14 uur geleden geplaatst

Closing on: 2025-05-08

Overig

KU Leuven

Leuven, België

LINC - dt. praktijkassistent (35%) - organisatiegerichte methoden van de criminologische interventie

Binnen de Afdeling Strafrecht en Criminologie van de Faculteit Rechtsgeleerdheid en Criminologische Wetenschappen groepeert het Leuvens Instituut voor Criminologie (LINC) sinds 1 januari 2007 een z...

14 uur geleden geplaatst

Closing on: 2025-05-08

Onderzoeksassistent