Bacteria can acquire genetic diversity including antibiotic resistance and virulence traits by horizontal gene transfer. In particular, many bacteria are naturally competent for DNA transformation in which bacteria import naked DNA from their environment. Although the proteins that are required for DNA import are mostly known, the molecular mechanism of DNA import is unclear. We designed and tested laser tweezers for studying dynamics and force generation of individual molecular motors in living bacteria in different model bacteria. In future studies we want to implement methods of statistical physics for addressing the molecular mechanism of DNA transport through the bacterial cell envelope in the human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
We are currently recruiting a physicist (master or diploma in physics) with background in biophysics. He / she should be interested both in improving the laser tweezers (hardware and algorithms for analysis) and designing approaches to decipher the molecular mechanics of DNA import by bacteria at the single molecule level.
Methods: laser tweezers, single molecule fluorescence microscopy, microbiological methods
Start 1.06.2011 or later (E13, 65%)
Disabled individuals with equal personal and technical eligibility will be favored. The WWU is commited to increasing the ratio of women in research. Women are therefore invited to apply for this position.
Contact details for applications:
Prof. Dr. Berenike Maier
Universität zu Köln
Biocenter
Zülpicher Str. 47b
50674 Köln
email: berenike.maier@uni-koeln.de
Universität zu Köln
Biocenter
Zülpicher Str. 47b
50674 Köln
email: berenike.maier@uni-koeln.de
How to apply:
Please send your application (cover letter, CV, certificates, and two references) as a single PDF file by email to berenike.maier@uni-koeln.de. It is mandatory that you visit Cologne for an interview.
