PhD POSITION

Studying electron-vibration coupling effects in photosystems

Funded by the programa de atracción de Talento “CESAR NOMBELA” of the Madrid community.  

PROJECT. 2023-T2/ECO-28965

SUPERVISOR. Dr. Sara H. Mejías (sara.hernandez@imdea.org)

EMPLOYMENT OFFER. 1-year employment contract, starting in October 2023 (flesible) with the possibility of expanding the contract. 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION. Recent studies reported that protein backbone fluctuations could modulate the transition energy of the embedded chromophores, changing, thus, their light-harvesting properties. It has been proposed that the chromophore´s excited electronic states interact with the environment by stochastic energy fluctuations based on a weak electron-vibration coupling, spatially correlated environmental fluctuation, or a slow, relaxing vibrational environment. Mechanistic studies that correlate backbone conformational entropy and protein-chromophore coupling with the vibrational relaxation of the chromophore are required in order to elucidate the effects of protein dynamics in the chromophore relaxation pathways. However, the complexity of the natural systems has prevented these studies from avoiding the link between electronic dynamics and structure is still unknown. In this project, we will develop a methodology to show the effects of backbone conformational entropy in the vibrational relaxation of excited chromophores using protein engineering. In particular, we will develop model photosystems with different backbone rigidities and study their effects on chromophore relaxation dynamics.  

POSITION PROFILE

• Bachelor in biology, biochemistry or similar.
• Master in biotechnology, bioscience, nanotechnology, or in a related field.
• Good English level, both written and spoken.
• Team working skills (highly important).

 In addition to the listed items, the evaluation committee will value the following items:

•  Experience with protein engineering and protein characterization techniques.
• Experience with bio-hybrid engineering.

WHAT IS OFFERED FOR THE CANDIDATE. We offer the possibility of joining a department with a healthy working environment in a lab with cutting edge facilities. The research assistant will develop her/his activity with guidance and help in an environment of freedom and with internal and external synergies. Moreover, IMDEA offers a good training program for early-stage researchers with courses on topics such as scientific and technological management, career development, and science communication.

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT. Our group is part of the ultrafast phenomena at the nanoscale department at IMDEA Nanoscience with a collaborative and international environment. In the department, we have an active seminar program to share and discuss scientific progress having the input of scientists from different areas. Moreover, IMDEA offers a good training program for PhD students with courses on topics such as scientific and technological management, career development, and science communication. 

SALARY: The salary has been fixed in agreement with national standars for the position.

INSTRUCTIONS. Interested candidates must submit their application before September 25, 2024 to the email sara.hernandez@imdea.org, including the CV.