Exploring Proteins Structure with THz Nanotechnology

Organisation/Company

IEMN

Department

THz Photonics

Research Field

Physics » Electromagnetism
Physics » Optics
Physics » Biophysics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

France

Application Deadline

31 Jan 2024 – 23:59 (Europe/Paris)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38.5

Offer Starting Date

1 Feb 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

HE / ERC

Reference Number

101089040

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description
 

Fully funded (~26 000 €/year  gross salary) PhD by an ERC consolidator grant

Context and objectives:

Proteins perform the essential functions of living organisms, from oxygen transport to photosynthesis. Their intricate nano-structure dictates this function. Modifications to this structure can have devastating consequences, as in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. This highlights the need for techniques that can probe protein nano-structure. Nevertheless, existing technics face limitations when operated in a realistic environment in realistic conditions.

Vibrational spectroscopy in the Terahertz (THz) range emerges as a promising alternative. Analogously to musical instruments producing sounds of frequencies dependent on their size; the frequency of vibrations depends on the size of the object supporting it, and the THz range corresponds actually to nanometric sizes.

In this PhD work, the candidate will first design, and implement electromagnetic concentrator in the Terahertz range to study biological samples from the amino acids to the protein microcrystals, a form used in their structural studies. The candidate will use a dedicated cryostat to unravel vibrational properties of protein from 4K to body temperature.

THz spectroscopy probe matter non-invasivally, making it a valuable tool for the identification of material, especially in biological samples. THz waves can be used to study the structure and dynamics of biological molecules, and can also detect various types of biological cells and tissues. However, the study of biological samples in their natural state is limited by their small size. Most biological objects such as proteins, DNA strands, viral capsids, cells, or bacteria are much smaller than THz wavelengths. This size mismatch prevents the use of propagative techniques to analyze a single object. Our group is developing novel THz devices based on a metallic hollow waveguide to overcome this limitation that has already shown promising results. With a prestigious ERC Consolidator Grant, we are taking this research to the next level by developing new techniques for analyzing macromolecules like proteins in the THz range. TUSCaNy project aim at exploring the hidden world of biological molecules with dedicated TeraHertz technology

The TeraHertz range, located between optics and electronics, the Institute of Electronics, Microelectronics, and Nanotechnologies (IEMN) is conducting research in the TeraHertz range using state-of-the-art TeraHertz-time-domain spectrometry (THz-TDS) to analyze solid samples (semiconductors, insulators), liquids (aqueous solutions, solvents), and gases. The team aims to develop new tools and methodology to enable THz wave investigation of the structures and functions of biological molecules such as proteins and DNA..

Missions: Your main mission will be to design and optimize the performance of the cutting edge device using advanced numerical methods, such as FDTD. You will then participate to the fabrication of the sample using our cutting-edge micro and nano fabrication facilities. Once fabricated, you will validate the electromagnetic performances of the device in terms of field confinement and coupling. Finally, you will operate the device in broadband THz spectroscopy with various macromolecular samples under different conditions, ranging from cryogenic temperatures in a specialized cryostat to microfluidic environments. Your ultimate goal will be to obtain high-quality data that can be used to better understand the structures and functions of biological molecules.

Environment:

Our team of experienced researchers at IEMN Laboratory in Lille, France, provides a dynamic environment for conducting cutting-edge research in the TeraHertz range. As part of our THz-Photonics group, you will have access to our state of the art nano fabrication facilities in our 1500m2 clean room, as well as fully equipped experimental facilities. With our substantial expertise in the conception and development of THz optoelectronic devices, you will work alongside our team to design and conduct innovative THz biophotonics experiments.

We are seeking a physics or engineering master graduate, or equivalent, with expertise in experimental optics, spectroscopy, electromagnetism, or Python coding. The exact tasks will be tailored to your capacities and interests, and we encourage you to contact us today to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

Key words: TeraHertz, spectroscopy, antenna, wave propagation, Microfluidics

 Contact:  Dr Romain Peretti : [email protected] . Do not hesitate to contact me informally before any formal application. The begining date is flexible. The formal process will consist on a CV + motivation statement and then an interview.

Requirements

Research Field

Physics » Optics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Physics » Electromagnetism

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field

Physics » Electronics

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Additional Information
Benefits

    Competitive PhD scholarship
    Access to state-of-the-art THz facilities
    Collaborative and supportive research environment
    Opportunities to present your work at international conferences
    Potential for publication in high-impact journals

Selection process

The formal process will consist on a CV + motivation statement and then an interview.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

CNRS

Country

France

City

VILLENEUVE D’ASCQ

Postal Code

59652

Street

Avenue Poincaré – CS 60069

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

City

Villeneuve d’Ascq

Website

https://www.iemn.fr/en/la-recherche/les-groupes/photonique-thz

Street

Avenue Henri Poincaré

Postal Code

59652

STATUS: EXPIRED