Post-doctoral position in microfluidic cell sorting to understand the mitochondrial basis of ageing

Subject: Postdoctoral scholar position in the lab of Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology group led by Dr. Michael Krieg (Professor, ICFO) to study impact of age on mitochondrial physiology.

The Krieg lab at ICFO is interested in the mechanical control of physiological processes involving the sensation of mechanical stresses. We primarily work with invertebrate model organisms such as Drosophila and C elegans and guide our experiments with theoretical models and simulations. We use advanced imaging and biophysical measurements to infer how mechanical properties of molecules, cells and tissues governs neuronal biology.

The successful candidate will be joining the Group of Neurophotonics and Mechanical Systems Biology group led by Michael Krieg in the frame work of an international collaboration between ICFO, LMU Munich and UC Santa Barbara. The main task of the advertised position is to build multilayer optofluidic device for single cell sorting followed by DNA extraction and on chip amplification. The device shall combine optical sorting of cells expressing fluorescent biomarkers for on chip lifespan determination and DNA extraction. The ultimate goal is to decipher the role of replicative lifespan of yeast cells in mitochondrial health and DNA damage. The successful candidate will autonomously fabricate dual layer device for fluid control using Quake valves and feel comfortable to operate in a clean room and test it in a real world scenario to trouble shoot its performance.
The Krieg lab has extensive experience in mechanobiology in C. elegans and zebrafish using advanced microscopy techniques, microfluidics and optical tweezers to interrogate fundamental mechanical processes in neurons and during development. The successful candidate will have access to a fully equipped cleanroom, microscopy facility and optical tweezer setup in addition to a stimulating research environment at ICFO.

Eligibility and Conditions

Candidates must hold an internationally-recognized Ph.D.-equivalent degree (or evidence of its completion in the nearest future) preferably in (bio)-engineering, biosystems design or biophysics. The successful candidate should have received formal training in a clean room and proven track record of microfluidic design and microscopy, with a strong personal motivation for basic science. Prior work with genetic model organism C. elegans and/or mammalian tissue culture is considered an asset. Proof of ambition, productivity, and creativity is a must, and a track record of conference presentations and first author peer-reviewed publications will be expected. We are looking for a desire to engage in discussions, collaborate with team members and enjoy thinking deeply while developing ideas independently.

No restrictions of citizenship apply to the ICFO post-doctoral contracts. The contract is offered for periods of one year, renewable for a total of up to 3 years. To ensure candidates are competitive for external fellowship opportunities, successful applicants will have completed their terminal degree no more than 1 year before the beginning of this appointment.

Application procedure

The formal application should be submitted online via http://jobs.icfo.eu.

Suitable candidates are requested to submit:

– Presentation letter with a declaration of interest, past achievements and future career goals

– Curriculum Vitae, including contact details and the contact e-mail of three potential referees.

– Publication list