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We are announcing a FAPESP Level-5 Technical Training (TT5) position for training in SAXS experiments coupled with rheology, set to begin in early 2025. Candidates should hold a PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related fields, with experience in operating or developing instrumentation for complex scientific equipment, preferably with techniques involving X-ray scattering or diffraction.
During the two-year term, the candidate will be responsible for running SAXS experiments with the Anton Paar SASPoint 5.0 device at IQ/UNICAMP and for planning and carrying out rheoSAXS experiments with polymeric and colloidal systems.
Please submit your application by filling out this form, providing a short CV, a motivation letter, and a recommendation letter, before Nov 29, 2024.
For more details about Technical Training positions, please visit fapesp.br/bolsas/tt, or for more information about the project and this position, contact colloidsbr@gmail.com.
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Other graduate or postdoctoral applications to develop research and innovation projects within the framework of our Colloids cluster are welcome, with no deadlines | please check FAPESP guidelines and reach out to our team at colloidsbr@gmail.com with a letter of intent and a short CV.
POSTDOC FELLOWSHIP: Enzyme-loaded Multiple Coacervate Emulsions
Supervisors: W Loh (UNICAMP)
This Project aims at preparing and characterizing multiple polymeric coacervate emulsions, which will be selectively loaded with enzymes. Polymeric coacervates should be selected based on their affinity to ensure immiscibility and emulsion characteristics will be evaluated using varied microscopy techniques. Enzyme affinity for each phase will be screened using isothermal titration calorimetry. The evolution of each phase and of the coacervate droplets will be tuned aiming at reproducing (proto)cellular processes and with the purpose of achieving moving actuators responsive to specific targets. Overall emulsion stability will be optimized using Pickering protocols. Experience with microfluidics is also relevant for future applications of the selected emulsions.
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Deadline: July 1st, 2024 | Start: ASAP | Salary: BRL 9,047.40/mo
POSTDOC FELLOWSHIP: A Bioinspired Mucociliary Clearance System Based on Mucin-Mimetic Supramolecular Glycopolymers and Artificial Magnetic Cilia for Human Airway Stents
Supervisors: W Loh (Unicamp), CG Otoni (UFSCar) & R Kieltyka (Leiden Univ)
This is an international collaboration project founded by FAPESP and NWO, led by Profs Watson Loh (IQ-UNICAMP) and Roxanne Kieltyka (Leiden University, NL), including researchers from INCOR/USP, DEMa/UFSCar, ICTSJC/Unifesp, ICT/UNESP, and Fundação Adib Jatene in Brazil, and Delft University, NL).
This project aims at the development of synthetic mimics of the functional components involved in mucociliary clearance based on mucin-inspired supramolecular glycopolymers and artificial magnetic cilia that can be activated by an external magnetic field. We will explore the synergy between these synthetic components on the movement of mucus out of a tubular configuration for its eventual use in tracheal stents that consist solely of silicone-based tubings. The upgrade of these medical devices to an active, biomimetic platform is anticipated to reduce biofilm formation and infection due to the regenerable surfaces provided by the supramolecular polymers and the beating of the artificial cilia through their magnetic actuation.
The highly interdisciplinary nature of the proposal and matched expertise of the consortium on the Brazilian and Dutch sides, with support from medical centers and a non-profit organization, will facilitate the development of this bioinspired platform for mucociliary clearance from the molecular to the macroscale for tracheal health. This project should build on early investigations from this group (doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11030261), and potential candidates should present a strong background in polymer science, preferably with expertise in polymer processing, modification, and characterization techniques. The selected candidate will coordinate efforts from both Brazilian and Dutch teams and is expected to spend an internship in Leiden.
Deadline: August 1st, 2024 | Start: ASAP | Salary: BRL 9,047.40/mo