PhD candidate – Introducing a IR label for the study of conformational changes in proteins from the respiratory chain

The Bioelectrochemistry and Vibrational Spectroscopy Group in chemistry department of the University of Strasbourg in France, offers a PhD position, to work on an exciting, multi-disciplinary project. The group has expertise in a variety of research areas including infrared / THz, Raman spectroscopy and electrochemistry applied on proteins.
We invite applications from highly motivated individuals who hold a master degree (or equivalent) latest this summer and who are available to start in September 2016. The project is a part of an ambitious research program that aims on the infrared spectroscopic study of conformational movements in membrane proteins from the respiratory by introducing a –CN label in critical positions. The project will focus on the spectroscopic visualization of domain movements that play a crucial role in the catalytic reaction of several enzymes, more specifically in ATPase and the NADH:ubiquinone reductase. The project provides an unique opportunity for the successful candidate to engage in interdisciplinary research using a variety of experimental techniques at the interface between physical chemistry and biophysics. The samples will be characterized by means of UV-Vis, fluorescence and a combined electrochemical and infrared spectroscopic approach. The protein samples will be prepared in collaboration with biochemistry laboratories at the university of Freiburg and Jena in Germany.

The applicant should hold a master degree or equivalent, and have a background in biophysics or physical chemistry. Strong interest in spectroscopy and biochemistry is desirable. Applicants should have excellent communication skills and sufficient command of English.
The successful candidate will be recruited in the Bioelectrochemistry and Spectroscopy group of Prof. Dr. Petra Hellwig (http://complex-matter.unistra.fr/equipes-de-recherche/laboratoire-de-bioelectrochimie-et-spectroscopie/accueil/), within the UMR 7140 (chimie de la matière complexe) at the university of Strasbourg.
The laboratory is located on the central campus of the university of Strasbourg (http://www.unistra.fr/); The university is part of the upper Rhine area that includes a number of excellent universities.