PhD Student Position in Structural Characterization of Self-Assembling Peptides by Cryo-EM
Investigate the structure and catalytic mechanisms of self-assembling peptide hydrogels using cryo-electron microscopy.
Best for:Best for graduate students with a background in chemistry, physical chemistry, or structural biology who have a strong interest in cryo-EM and numerical tools.
Overview
This PhD position at the Institut Charles Sadron (CNRS) in Strasbourg focuses on exploring the structural mechanisms of enzymatically induced peptide self-assembly and supramolecular hydrogel formation. The project combines organic synthesis, physicochemical evaluation, and advanced structural biology techniques, notably cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) image analysis. The successful candidate will work within the SYFOS research team under the supervision of experienced researchers and will enroll in the Physics and Physical Chemistry Doctoral School of the University of Strasbourg. The role involves multidisciplinary research, collaboration with academic partners, and occasional travel to external research facilities for data acquisition.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and characterize novel peptide analogues and derivatives.
- Evaluate the catalytic properties and self-assembly behavior of synthesized peptide systems.
- Prepare samples and perform high-resolution structural analysis using cryo-transmission electron microscopy.
- Process and analyze image data to solve near-atomic structures of peptide nanofibrils.
- Travel to external facilities such as in Grenoble for data acquisition and software training.
- Collaborate with team members, publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals, and present at scientific conferences.
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree or equivalent in Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Structural Biology, or a related discipline
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English or French proficiency for working in a collaborative research environment
Instruction: English / French
- Strong background in chemistry, physical chemistry, or structural biology
- Demonstrated interest in numerical tools and computational data processing
- Ability to conduct chemical synthesis and characterize molecular structures
- Familiarity with or strong motivation to learn electron microscopy techniques
- Open to candidates meeting the doctoral school admission criteria of the University of Strasbourg
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-10
Applicants must submit their application through the official CNRS portal by logging in and following the submission guidelines associated with the offer reference. Ensure all required academic and personal documents are attached before the deadline.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts
- Reference letters
Contact
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