[tt] PhD position at University of Amsterdam on "The mechanics of molecular machines"

[Eugen Leitl]

----- Forwarded message from Wybren Jan Buma <wybren at SCIENCE.UVA.NL> -----

From: Wybren Jan Buma <wybren at SCIENCE.UVA.NL>
Date:         Mon, 5 Nov 2007 14:55:44 +0000
To: MOLECULAR-DYNAMICS-NEWS at JISCMAIL.AC.UK
Subject: PhD position at University of Amsterdam on "The mechanics of molecular machines"
Reply-To: Wybren Jan Buma <wybren at SCIENCE.UVA.NL>

Presently, a PhD position is open on the project “The mechanics of 
molecular machines”.

Project: It is tempting to consider molecular machines as nanoscale 
versions of their macroscopic analogues. However, many macroscopic 
mechanical concepts no longer apply at a molecular level. For instance, the 
concept of friction becomes meaningless for a molecular machine, since the 
size of the solvent molecules causing the friction is comparable to that of 
the machine itself. Also, a molecular machine experiences interactions with 
the surrounding solvent that in many cases are comparable to the force 
driving the machine. This will give rise to a certain amount of 
unpredictability in the motion of molecular machines. At present, the 
nature of the mechanics of molecular machines is largely unknown. At the 
University of Amsterdam, we experimentally investigate the mechanical 
behavior of prototypical molecular machines. In this project, financed by 
the Stichting voor Fundamenteel Onderzoek der Materie (FOM), we have a 
fully funded PhD position available.

Job description: The candidate will carry out and interpret experiments in 
which the operation of a molecular machine is triggered by means of a UV 
trigger pulse, and the mechanical motions are followed in real time by 
means of time-resolved one- and two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy. In 
this way, it is possible to construct "movies" of working molecular 
machines, and to study their mechanical motions directly. The time scales, 
velocities and potential-energy landscapes involved in the motions will be 
determined, and on a more fundamental level, we want to find out to what 
extent the motion of molecular machines is deterministic. The candidate 
will also explore ways of modifying, and in particular optimizing, the 
predictability of the motion (for instance by varying the design of the 
machine), and investigate if it is possible to 'kick-start' a molecular 
machine by means of optically induced breaking of hydrogen bonds.

The project will be carried out at the University of Amsterdam under the 
supervision of dr. Sander Woutersen and prof. Wybren Jan Buma. We are 
looking for an enthusiastic candidate with a strong background in 
experimental physics or physical chemistry that has started his/her 
academic studies not later than 7 years ago. Experience with lasers is an 
advantage but not explicitly required. Interested candidates can apply by 
sending their CV and the names of 2 references to either Dr. S. Woutersen 
or Prof. W.J. Buma.

For further information please contact:
Dr. Sander Woutersen, E-mail: woutersen at science.uva.nl , Phone:+31-20-525 
7091
Prof. Wybren Jan Buma, E-mail: w.j.buma at uva.nl , Phone:+31-20-525 6973/6421

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----- End forwarded message -----
-- 
Eugen* Leitl <a href="http://leitl.org">leitl</a> http://leitl.org
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