Postdoc position in Bio AFM in Madrid, Spain

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Posted: Fri, Jul 15 2011 3:36 AM

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Here is a description for a postdoc position at the Institute of Microelectronics in Madrid, though it has little to do with electronics. It's mainly focused on force measurements on living cells in response to various factors. This is an excellent group that is used to publish in high impact factor journals so I strongly recommend that position.

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Calleja (contact info below)

Alex.

Open Post doctoral position to work on

Cell nanomechanics

This position if offered in the frame of the ERC starting Grant project NANOFORCELLS- A

nanomechanical tool-box for the investigation of cell mechanics. This project aims at

developing a set of tools and demonstrate their potential for the study of individual cell

mechanics and sub-cellular structures. In the past decade, many cell mechanisms have been

disentangled. These findings have highlighted the communication of cells in two directions,

environment influence on mechanical properties of cells and their influence in the cell

biochemical response and therefore cell function. Also, recent findings have clarified the role

of cell mechanical properties in complex cellular processes. These advancements have

attracted great attention to the research in cell mechanics, as they are opening up new

routes for disease diagnosis and treatment.

NANOFORCELLS project aims to develop new tools and mechanical and physical assays to

extract the elastic and viscoelastic properties of cancer cells as compared to healthy cells,

providing with mechanical biomarkers for diagnosis. Also, the effect of cancer drugs and drug

vehicles on cell mechanics will provide the cues to study drug efficacy and establish

biophysical prognosis routes. This project sets an innovative approach combining advanced

nanomechanical systems together with optical interferometry and AFM local characterization

for the study of cell mechanics.

A contract for one year is offered, with further extension to 5 years to participate the project

research tasks.

To: PhD in Physics, Chemistry or Biochemistry. Candidates must have previous experience

in the project topics and an excellent publication record.

Contact:

Dr. Montserrat Calleja

mcalleja@imm.cnm.csic.es

Instituto de Microelectrónica de Madrid (IMM, CSIC).

Isaac Newton 8, PTM, 28760 Tres Cantos, Madrid.

Tel.: 91.806.07.00 Fax: 91.806.07.01

www.imm-cnm.csic.es/bionano

www.mecwins.com

http://erc.europa.eu

Nature Nanotechnology 2, 18 (2007)

Nature Nanotechnology 3, 301 (2008)

Nature Nanotechnology 5, 641 (2010)