The PhD work is part of the Marie-Curie Research and Training Network“CARBIO“ – Multifunctional carbon nanotubes for biomedicalapplications.

"Binding of functionalized CNT to cells and delivery into the cell: A microscopic view"

TheCARBIO partners apply a multidisciplinary approach in order to exploitthe potential of multi-functional carbon nanotubes (CNT) for biomedicalapplications.
The objective is to address the microscopic view ofinternalization and immunogenic effects of CNT on single cells usingatomic force microscopy. The internalization of functionalized CNT andthe effects on the cell morphology will be studied under physiologicalconditions (i.e. at room temperature and in buffer solution). Firstly,the uptake of single CNT into an individual cell will be investigatedby high resolution topographical imaging. Secondly, the AFM will beused to trace the time-dependent mechanism of CNT uptake and visualizethe movements of the CNT being delivered into the cell. Thirdly, afterthe process of CNT uptake, we aim to visualize the response of thecells in terms of morphology. In the last part, the binding strength ofsingle CNT to the cell surface and the lateral distribution of bindingsites will be studied in molecular recognition force spectroscopyexperiments. For simultaneous topography and fluorescence measurements,a combined AFM and fluorescence setup is available.

Thefellowships are well paid, including a basic living and a mobilityallowance (with deductions by national laws) and travel and careerexploratory allowances according to the Marie Curie rules. Each fellowwill get an employment contract with one partner and will performsecondments at other partners. A generous career development package isincluded.

CARBIO offers 12 three-years fellowships for Early-Stage-
Researchers (PhD positions) and 4 fellowships for Experienced Researchers (ER). (cf. http://www.carbio.eu)

Theapplicants must meet the requirements of the Marie-Curie fellowships.E.g., the fellows must be nationals of a state other than the countrywhere they will perform their studies and theymay not have carried out their main activities in that country for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the start of thefellowship. Applicants should be EU citizens.

Organisation - University of Linz
Division/Faculty/Department - Institute for Biophysics
Street - Altenbergerstrasse 69
City - Linz
Postal Code - A-4040
Country - AUSTRIA
Phone - ++43-(0)73224689265
Fax - ++43-(0)73224689270
E-Mail - ferry.kienberger@jku.at
carbio@ifw-dresden.de
Website - http://www.bphys.uni-linz.ac.at/bioph/staf/ferry/kienb.htm
http://www.carbio.eu

Application Deadline - 30/11/2006

Applicantsshould have a good background in physics, chemistry, or biology.Previous experience in the field of microscopy (e.g. atomic forcemicroscopy or fluorescence microscopy) would be an advantage. GoodEnglish skills are mandatory.