Research
One of the key features of biomolecular interactions is theirselectivity. This is particularly obvious in the case ofdouble-stranded DNA, which derives its stability from the stacking ofcomplementary base pairs. The replacement of even a single nucleotideon one of the DNA strands greatly increases the tendency of the DNA tounbind in the vicinity of this defect. From a physics perspective, theselectivity of the interaction between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)fragments makes it possible to prepare ssDNA coated surfaces thatinteract strongly only with those surfaces that have been coated withthe complementary ssDNA. More generally, one can designssDNA-terminated 'linker molecules' that connect only surfaces thathave been coated with ssDNA that is complementary to one of the ends ofthe linker molecule. Mirkin has pioneered these techniques. Usingsimilar techniques, one can design multi-component colloidal systemswith completely tuneable interactions between the constituent species.ssDNA coated colloids are of great potential interest because thespecificity of the DNA links makes it possible to tune the interactionsof the building blocks of novel, nano-structured materials. Dependingon these interactions we can hope to create (and subsequently study) avariety of interesting systems. To name but a few examples, we canenvisage multi-component colloidal crystals with complex unit cells,multi-component fluid mixtures that can demix in an arbitrarily largenumber of liquid phases or multi-component gels that consist ofinterpenetrating clusters of different colloidal species.

However, at present, systematic experiments are still few and the theory is largely speculative.

Theresearch is carried out in collaboration with Dr. Eiser (UvA) and ispart of an AMOLF/VU/RUL research programme sponsored by FOM.

Job description
The research of the PhD student would focus on the preparation ofbinary (and, at a later stage, multi-component) ssDNA-coated colloidalmixtures and on the study of their phase diagram and rheology.

Location
The FOM Institute for Atomic and Molecular Physics (AMOLF) is one ofthe national research institutes of the Stichting FOM (the Foundationfor Fundamental Research on Matter). The institute employs around 200people, half of whom are research staff (faculty staff, postdocs, andPhD students). AMOLF provides a dynamic environment, where advancedresearch is performed in research groups comprising around 8 scientistson average.

For information about Bio-assembly and organization. For information about Computational physics.

Requirements
We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a background inexperimental physics or chemistry. Experience with biochemicaltechniques is an advantage, but it is not required.

Conditions of employment
When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM foundation, you will get thestatus of junior scientist. You will have an employee status and canparticipate in all the employee benefits FOM offers. You will get acontract for 4 years. During the first year the gross salary is 1,668euro per month. This amount will increase to 2,244 euro during thefourth year. For your pension you will participate in 'StichtingPensioenfonds ABP'.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four yearterm with FOM. A training programme is part of the agreement. You andyour supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education andsupervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines whichteaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of 10% ofyour time).
The standard amount of leave is 338 hours per year, which should beused every year ('withdrawal obligation') except for 80 hours. FOMoffers you a Customised Conditions of Employment (CCE) scheme whichenables you to choose between specific employee benefits and benefitfrom certain fiscal advantages. FOM also offers you good studyfacilities. The conditions of employment of the FOM-foundation are laiddown in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres(CAO-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available atthis website under Personeelsinfo (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English). General information about working at FOM can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'FOM-sollicitatiecode' (in Dutch) applies to this position.

Information
For more specific information about this position please contact
Prof.dr. Daan Frenkel
FOM Institute AMOLF
E-mail: Prof.dr. Daan Frenkel
Phone: +31 (0)20 608 12 34

Dr. Erika Eiser
HIMS
Universiteit van Amsterdam
E-mail: Dr. Erika Eiser
Phone: +31 (0)20 525 69 16

Applications
You can send your application to FOM Institute AMOLF
Personnel Department
Postbus 41883
1009 DB Amsterdam
The Netherlands
E-mail: application@amolf.nl
Please quote vacancy # 0509.3100

Please send your:
- Resume;
- Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account.However with this motivation your application will receive our fullattention.

Reference:
http://www.fom.nl/vacatures/vac_277.htm