1 PhD position in Biological Soft Matter in Netherlands | Delft University of Technology (TU Delft)

Cell migration and division rely on the cytoskeleton made of actin filaments and microtubules. After much work to understand the specific cellular functions of these two cytoskeletal polymers, there is growing evidence that cell migration and division also require coordination between the two cytoskeletal subsystems. This project aims to understand the basis for this coordination, focusing on the ability of microtubules and actin filaments to modulate each other’s orientation and dynamics through interactions mediated by crosslinkers and molecular motors. We have shown that microtubules and actin filaments can influence each other’s organisation through interactions mediated by +TIP proteins that connect the growing end of microtubules to actin filaments (Nature Comm 2014). We will develop advanced surface assays based on micropatterning to deposit actin and microtubule networks with a controlled geometry in order to investigate the nature of the forces responsible for microtubule-actin co-organisation. We will study the ability of linear stiff actin bundles and more random actin networks to direct the global organisation of microtubule networks. Using light-inducible proteins, we will test whether we can trigger co-organisational effects by turning the interactions between microtubule ends and actin filaments on or off. We will then test the observed co-organisational effects in the confinement of cell-sized emulsion droplets, where microtubules nucleated from a centrosome grow out to meet an artificial actin cortex at the boundary. This project is funded by an ERC Synergy Grant Awarded to Marileen Dogterom (TU Delft) and Anna Akhmanova (Utrecht University), in collaboration with Gijsje Koenderink (and others) at AMOLF (Amsterdam). This means that you will belong to a large team of PhD students and post-docs distributed between Delft, Utrecht, and Amsterdam (AMOLF). There will be strong collaborations with theoretical groups within AMOLF, and we will make a direct connection to biological functions of actin-microtubule crosstalk by confronting our in vitro results with experiments in cells and embryos carried on at Utrecht University. You will be primarily based in the group of Gijsje Koenderink and co-supervised by Marileen Dogterom.

Requirements

We are looking for outstanding students with a MSc degree in physics, physical chemistry or physical biology, and with a strong interest in the interface of biophysics and biology. Since the project involves intensive collaboration, we seek a candidate with excellent communication and organisational skills. It is an advantage if you already have a relevant background involving advanced microscopy, protein biochemistry, and/or cellular biophysics.

Conditions of employment

The position is intendend as full-time (38 hours/week, 12 months/year) appointment. You will be appointed by the TU Delft for the duration of four years, but stationed at the FOM Institute AMOLF.

TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment; an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor; and a Doctoral Education Programme aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

Organisation

Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is a multifaceted institution offering education and carrying out research in the technical sciences at an internationally recognised level. Education, research and design are strongly oriented towards applicability. TU Delft develops technologies for future generations, focusing on sustainability, safety and economic vitality. At TU Delft you will work in an environment where technical sciences and society converge. TU Delft comprises eight faculties, unique laboratories, research institutes and schools.

Department

Applied Sciences

The Biological Soft Matter group is interested in cellular biophysics, an interdisciplinary area of research at the interface of biophysics, soft matter physics, and cell/developmental biology. Our central goal is to understand the physical principles underlying the self-organisation and active mechanical properties of the cytoskeleton. Our approach is to perform quantitative experimental studies of well-controlled model systems reconstituted from purified cellular components. We have extensive expertise in actin biochemistry, and this project builds on an already established collaboration with Marileen Dogterom where we combined actin with reconstituted microtubules. We use a range of advanced biophysical techniques, including light microscopy, optical tweezers, and quantitative image analysis. In this project, you will make extensive use of fluorescence microscopy (TIRF, confocal, FRAP) and of the cleanroom of the Amsterdam NanoCentre, housed at AMOLF, for surface micropatterning.