ComeInCell Doctoral Network PhD Studentship: Condensate-mediated exocytosis and membrane localization in synthetic cells

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:
Evan Spruijt
Radboud University
Nijmegen, the Netherlands, Institute for Molecules and Materials

Project Summary

The Spruijt Lab has extensive experience in designing and characterizing model biomolecular condensates and studying their impact on enzymatic networks, protein aggregation and membrane deformation. The main objective of this project is to harness the power and versatility of enzymatic networks to achieve spatiotemporal, and genetically programmable control over biomolecular condensates inside synthetic cells. Enzymes involved in the ATP metabolism will be localized to peptide-based condensates and their activity will be used to modulate the condensate surface tension, charge and material properties. The aim is to develop a programmable approach for localization and membrane adhesion of condensates in synthetic cells, ultimately leading to exocytosis and division of these synthetic cells. This project will advance our understanding of condensate dynamics and function, both in synthetic biology and in living cells.

The project will include secondments at the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, Germany (Dimova Group), the University of Groningen in the Netherlands (Poolman Group), the Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf in Germany (Exterkate Group) and the Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas Margarita Salas of CSIC in Madrid, Spain (Rivas Group).

Selected References

• T. Lu, S. Liese, L. Schoenmakers, C.A. Weber, W.T.S. Huck and E. Spruijt, Endocytosis of coacervates into liposommes, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 144 (30), 13451-13455 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1021/jacs.2c04096
• T. Lu, S. Javed, C. Bonfio and E. Spruijt, Interfacing coacervates with membranes: from artificial organelles and hybrid protocells to intracellular delivery, Small Methods 7, 2300294 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1002/smtd.202300294
• K.K. Nakashima, M.H.I. van Haren, A.A.M. André, I. Robu and E. Spruijt, Active coacervate droplets are protocells that grow and resist Ostwald ripening, Nature Commun. 12, 3819 (2021); https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-24111-x

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 48 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 a MSc or 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in Chemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Life Sciences or a related area.

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: biomolecular condensates, coacervates, membrane biophysics, enzymology, colloidal physical chemistry

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

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.