*Scientist - PhD student (M/F)*
We are looking for a motivated scientist to collaborate in an ESA (European Space Agency)-research project on the crystallization of biological macromolecules. The project aims at understanding nucleation and growth processes occurring during crystallization of proteins. A better understanding of these processes and their key parameters will lead to a better control of crystal properties. Your job will be to determine experimentally the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters governing the crystallization of model proteins, and to try and link these data to theoretical models. Specific questions in this matter will be tackled by experiments conducted in microgravity. Part of your job will be to help define and prepare experiments to be run in the International Space Station. Our team was involved in several space missions before, and we share our expertise in an international and multidisciplinary network. You will be working in the Laboratory of Structural Biology Brussels from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. It is a large research group interested in the structure – function relation of biological molecules with a focus on molecular and cellular interactions. The lab is one of the research departments of the VIB (Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie) and provides for a stimulating scientific environment. Experience or a strong interest in one or more of the following techniques is a plus: Protein crystallization, X-ray diffraction, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. *Profile* Master in Bio-engineering, Engineering, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or Biology. *We offer * Full time contract until 31/12/2010 with potential to be prolonged (depending on continuation of funding of the project) *How to apply ?* Send your CV, a letter of motivation and the contact data (email, fax, address) of two referees by email to Prof. Dominique Maes: [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>_ . *Contact* Prof. Dominique Maes Laboratorium voor Ultrastructuur Departement Moleculaire en Cellulaire Interacties Vlaams Interuniversitair Instituut voor Biotechnologie Vrije Universiteit Brussel Pleinlaan 2 1050 Brussel T: +32-(0)2-6291852 F: +32-(0)2-6291963 [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>_
