Overview
New PhD topics
in Experimental and Computational Biophysics
at the Department of Biophysical Chemistry at the J. Heyrovský Institute, Prague (the group of Radek Šachl) and the Department of Mathematics, Informatics and Cybernetics at the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (the group of Mario Vazdar).
The J. Heyrovský Institute is a leading and prestigious research institution in the Czech Republic. It is known worldwide and has established international cooperation. The Institute is a center of fundamental research in physical chemistry and chemical physics, biophysics, theoretical chemistry, and electrochemistry.
The University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (VŠCHT) is a natural center of first-rate study and research in chemistry in Czechia and is one of the country’s largest educational and research institutions focused on technical chemistry, chemical, and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food chemistry, and environmental studies.
Project: Controlled Transport of Cell-penetrating Peptides across Biological Membranes – Synergy of Simulations and Single Molecule Fluorescence Experiments
Abstract:
The controlled transport of cargo into cells is vital for life-sustaining. Alongside the active ATP-driven process of endocytosis, which plays a pivotal role in the transport of cargo across membranes, there is another promising method known as direct passive energy-independent translocation, which is particularly relevant for controlled drug delivery. Short, positively charged cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) are commonly utilized vectors for this purpose. This multidisciplinary project seeks to explore the mechanism of passive translocation of CPPs at the molecular level through advanced molecular simulations (Dr. Mario Vazdar, VŠCHT) and complementary single-molecule fluorescence experiments (Dr. Radek Šachl, J.Heyrovsky Institute). The major focus of this project will be on understanding crucial steps in this process, including adsorption, aggregation, and translocation across advanced model membrane systems. The insights gained from this investigation will lay the groundwork for designing smarter drug delivery systems by identifying crucial molecular interactions during the transport of matter across biological membranes.
Scientific Approach:
Advanced single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy and molecular dynamic simulations.
We are searching for both experimentalists and simulators!
Requirements:
MSc degree in chemistry, physics, or related fields
Previous experience in fluorescence spectroscopy, microscopy, and/or molecular simulations is of significant advantage
Good programming skills in MATLAB, Python, or similar are welcome
Experience with Linux environment is beneficial
Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English
If you are interested to learn more, please contact:
Radek Šachl: radek.sachl@jh-inst.cas.cz
Mario Vazdar: mario.vazdar@vscht.cz
For more information, see:
https://www.jh-inst.cas.cz/sachl/
https://um.vscht.cz/research/molecularmodeling
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