1-year empleyment contract starting in March 2023 (flexible) with the possibility to 3-year extension and a PhD degree in the group of Bio-engineered nanophotonics (www.sarahmejias.com).

Project Description

Light is a renewable energy source. Developing new materials that harness the light energy for solar fuel generation is the most promising method to change our current non-sostenible energy model system. In particular, this thesis will develop a new class of photoactive bio-hybrids combining engineered proteins and photoactive molecules optimized to perform photochemical reactions.

In the lab, we will engineer and synthesize the bio-hybrids and study their excited state dynamics using pump-probe spectroscopic techniques, including transient absorption and photoluminescence. This thesis will develop the knowledge to tune the light conversion principles based on customized protein modification and new strategies for exciton dissociation and electron chain development in bio-hybrids. The final goal is to combine the optimized bio-hybrids with catalytically active 2D materials in collaboration with Dr. Vega. Combining our engineered bio-hybrids with the 2D materials will allow us to generate hydrogen as solar fuel with unprecedented efficiency to pave the way for its use as a clean fuel. This will represent a significant step forward in our global journey toward efficient and sustainable energy generation.

Position Profile

• Bachelor of Physics, Physical chemistry, Biophysics, or similar.
• Master in an area related to the position duties, preferably in physical chemistry, biophysics, or nanoscience.
• High level of English, both oral and written.
• Ability to work in a team.

The evaluation committee will evaluate the following items:

• Programming skills (Matlab, Wolfram Mathematica, C++, labview…).
• Experience according to the profile, particularly in time-resolved spectroscopic techniques as transient absorption or photoluminiscence measurements.
• Experience in molecular biology, protein purification, and chromatography.

What is offered for the candidate

The proposed project will offer the candidate the unique training opportunity at the interface of spectroscopy, physical chemistry, molecular biology, and Nanoscience. Specifically, the proposed project will greatly increase the candidate portfolio of scientific know-how on the pump-probe spectroscopiccharacterization of exciton dynamics in bio-hybrid materials, including data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. Besides, the candidate will have training in the fabrication of engineered proteins and bio-hybrids systems, including protein synthesis and purification. The candidate will have also the possibility to enroll in a PhD program to be a PhD candidate with the research performed in this project.

Research Environment

Our group is part of the time-resolved spectroscopy 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.

Instructions

Interested candidates must submit their application before January 15, 2022 to the email sara.hernandez@imdea.org, including a presentation letter and a CV. A recommendation letter is desirable. Candidates will be called for an online interview.