Chaperones are protein complexes that assist other proteins in their folding process. Well-known examples are the bacterial GroEL/ES and the eukaryotic TRiC. Despite extensive research, there are still significant controversies regarding the exact mechanism of action. To understand the molecular and biophysical principles of protein folding, we aim to build fully controllable chaperone-like machines using DNA origami, characterising them through cutting-edge biophysical and biochemical techniques.
As a PhD candidate in this project, you will design, produce, and characterise advanced DNA origami nanostructures using biophysical and biochemical techniques, as well as electron and fluorescence microscopy. Moreover, you will incorporate chemical components, peptides, PNAs, etc., into these nanostructures to enhance their functionalities and integrate biological-like functions.
To achieve these goals, you will work at the interface of biophysics and biochemistry. Your contributions will help develop novel bottom-up approaches for investigating the mechanisms of chaperone-mediated protein folding. Your responsibilities will include:
You will have the freedom to explore your own ideas within the project goals, supported by your supervisor, Dr. Eva Bertosin.
You are genuinely curious and passionate about science, are willing to work independently, possess critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills, and are motivated to understand and re-engineer complex biological systems. Additionally, you bring:
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You will work in a newly established subgroup led by Eva Bertosin, within the Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry group (formerly Membrane Biochemistry and Biophysics). The group, which is part of the Bijvoet Centre for Biomolecular Research (Department of Chemistry), is a highly interdisciplinary team with diverse research interests and expertise. You will be exposed to many different approaches, from cell biology methods to (bio)chemical and biophysical techniques, with systems ranging from self-assembled model structures to yeast and from bacterial and mammalian cells to the worm C. elegans.
For more information, please contact dr. Eva Bertosin at e.bertosin@uu.nl.
Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to science.recruitment@uu.nl.
The selection process will begin with online interviews for selected candidates. Based on these, a shortlist will be invited for an in-person visit to the department, where feasible. Please note that interviews may be scheduled before the application deadline, so you are encouraged to submit your application early.
As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
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The application deadline is 15 August 2025.