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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
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)
Where to apply
Contact
STATUS: EXPIRED
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