KU Leuven

Self-assembly of block copolymers into bio-mimetic membranes with inherent selectivity.

2024-01-15 (Europe/Brussels)
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KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

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In the Department of Chemistry, Division of Polymer Chemistry and Materials, a FLOF-PhD position is available in the Laboratory of Prof. Alessandro Ianiro.

Project

Because of their central role in many technological sectors and industrial applications, membranes are the focus of a large worldwide research effort and are the heart of a multi-billion dollar business. Biological self-assembled phospholipid membranes have often been regarded as a source of inspiration for the realization of membranes with improved performance because they evolved to regulate the exchange of matter between the cells and their surroundings with unparalleled selectivity and efficiency. Unfortunately, translating the unique transport properties of biological membranes to large-scale technical membranes is far from easy. 
The objective of this Ph.D. is to design, realize, and study polymeric building blocks that can self-assemble into large-scale biomimetic membranes. By playing with the composition of these building blocks we aim to tailor the transport properties of such membranes introducing selectivity towards specific chemical compounds. The self-assembly behavior of the building blocks will be investigated with advanced characterization techniques such as small-angle scattering, scanning probe microscopy, and bilayer electrophysiology (a biophysical technique typically employed to study lipid bilayers and biological membranes). The use of such membranes for the realization of biomimetic devices will be also explored.

Profile

The scope of the project will be adjusted depending on the background of the applicant hence applicants with a master in chemistry, experimental physics, engineering, biophysics and biochemistry are welcome to apply. An interdisciplinary mindset and experience with scattering techniques, polymer synthesis, bilayer electrophysiology, scanning-probe microscopy or molecular modeling are considered a plus.

Offer

FLOF-funding is available for the entirety of the PhD, initially a 1 year contract will be provided which will be extended in case of a good
evaluation.

Interested?

For more information please contact Professor Alessandro Ianiro, tel.: +32 16 37 67 73, mail: alessandro.ianiro@kuleuven.be.
KU Leuven seeks to foster an environment where all talents can flourish, regardless of gender, age, cultural background, nationality or impairments. If you have any questions relating to accessibility or support, please contact us at diversiteit.HR@kuleuven.be.

Job details

Title
Self-assembly of block copolymers into bio-mimetic membranes with inherent selectivity.
Employer
Location
Oude Markt 13 Leuven, Belgium
Published
2023-11-20
Application deadline
2024-01-15 23:59 (Europe/Brussels)
2024-01-15 23:59 (CET)
Job type
PhD
Save job

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About the employer

KU Leuven is an autonomous university. It was founded in 1425. It was born of and has grown within the Catholic tradition.

Visit the employer page