ComeInCell Doctoral Network PhD Studentship: Light-driven exocytosis of synthetic cells encapsulating condensates

This PhD position is offered through the ComeInCell European MSCA Doctoral Network. More details about PhD projects offered through the ComeInCell Program can be found here: https://www.comeincell.org/projects

Hosted by:
Rumiana Dimova
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
Department of Sustainable & Bio-inspired Materials
Membrane Biophysics Group

Project Summary
The Dimova Lab has extensive experience in the biophysical characterization of bio- and model membranes and giant vesicles as synthetic cells. The main objective of this project is to harness the power of photoresponsive species to achieve precise spatiotemporal control over membrane deformation. Photoswitches will be asymmetrically incorporated into the membranes of giant vesicles, with internal compartmentation established by condensate droplets. The aim is to develop a novel approach for targeted exocytosis and division within these synthetic cells, advancing our understanding of membrane dynamics and creating new opportunities for applications in synthetic biology and cellular engineering. This approach may enable the implementation of photoresponsive species for controlling RNA and protein-based drug delivery and therapeutics.

The project will include secondments at AMOLF in the Netherlands (Ganzinger Group), the University of Siena in Italy (Rossi Group), and the Berlin branch of Nature Communications.

Further information on the research interests of the Dimova Lab can be found on this website: www.dimova.de

Selected References

• A. Mangiarotti, M. Aleksanyan, M. Siri, R. Lipowsky and R. Dimova, Photoswitchable endocytosis of biomolecular condensates in giant vesicles, Adv. Sci. 11, 2309864 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202309864
• A. Mangiarotti and R. Dimova, Biomolecular condensates in contact with membranes, Annu. Rev. Biophys. 53, 319-341 (2024); https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-biophys-030722-121518
• M. Aleksanyan, A. Grafmüller, F. Crea, V.N. Georgiev, N. Yandrapalli, S. Block, J. Heberle and R. Dimova, Photomanipulation of minimal synthetic cells: area increase, softening, and interleaflet coupling of membrane models doped with azobenzene-lipid photoswitches, Adv. Sci. 10, 2304336 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202304336

General Application Information
Funding information:
Funding agency: H2020-MSCA-ITN-2023 (Project Nr: 101168939)

Doctoral Candidate (DC) Allowances:
MSCA Doctoral Networks provide attractive salary terms and benefits, including a living allowance of around €3,400 (country correction coefficient applies), a mobility allowance of €600 and, a family allowance (€660 if applicable). Note that these are gross values and employer costs or other deductions depend on the recruiting host.

Mobility Conditions:
MSCA networks require that applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.

The individual scientific projects are planned within one of the partner Host Institution and every doctoral candidate will spend a part of their doctoral studies in another partner laboratory (a maximum of 12 months of their 36 months PhDs).

Standard duties and responsibilities of the DC:
For the 36 months of employment contract the doctoral candidate (DC) will be required to work exclusively on the MSCA programme. In all cases, all duties and responsibilities will be clearly outlined in the DC personal Career Development Plan, as determined in the early stages of the project between the DC and their supervisory committee.

Starting Date:
All projects will commence preferably within the first half of 2025, depending on the host institution. Contact the corresponding PIs for more details.

Candidate Specification

Qualifications
Essential: Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum MSc degree, or equivalent, in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology, Bioengineering or related area.

Desirable: Practical experience with model membranes and/or biomolecular condensates

Knowledge and Experience
Essential: Research project carried out in at least one of the above disciplines and a demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following: membrane biophysics, membrane biology, biomolecular condensates, lipid chemistry, synthetic biology, colloidal physical chemistry.

Desirable: Microscopy experience (optical, confocal), programming skills

Skills and Competencies
Essential: Evidence of interest, aptitude and research experience in the above disciplines.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.