Hosted by:
Bert Poolman
University of Groningen, The Netherlands, Department of Biochemistry
www.membraneenzymology.com,
wikipedia.org/wiki/Bert_Poolman
Project Specification
Project Summary
The Poolman lab has developed vesicle systems for synthesis of lipids from fatty acids and small molecule building blocks, which occurs on one leaflet of synthetic membranes. Hence, asymmetry in the membrane and limited expansion is possible. We will now implement lipid translocases to flip lipids from the inner to the outer leaflet or flop lipids from the outer to inner leaflet, depending on the topology of the lipid biosynthesis pathway. The building blocks and ATP required for lipid synthesis will be produced in DC6. We will combine active membrane expansion with the intra-vesicle expression of synthetic RNA condensates to engineering complex re-structuring events such as engulfment, exocytosis, membrane rupture and/or fission.
The project will include secondments at UC, UK (Di Michele group, www.DiMicheleLab.org; Condensate formation and soft matter) and HHU in Dusseldorf, FRG (Exterkate group, www.membiolip.hhu.de; Lipid biosynthesis and LC-MS).
Selected References
- Bailoni E & Poolman B (2022) ATP recycling fuels sustainable glycerol 3‑phosphate formation in synthetic cells fed by dynamic dialysis. ACS Synth Biol 11:2348-2360. doi: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00075
- Bailoni E, Patino0Ruiz MF, Stan AR, Schuurman-Wolters GK, Exterkate M, Driessen AJM & Poolman B (2024) Synthetic vesicles for sustainable energy recycling and delivery of building blocks for lipid biosynthesis. ACS Synth Biol 13: 1549. doi: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00073.
- Coenradij J, Bailoni E & Poolman B (2024) Construction of out-of-equilibrium metabolic networks in nano- and micrometer-sized vesicles. J. Vis Exp doi: 10.3791/66627.
Standard duties and responsibilities of the DC
For the 36 + 12 months of employment contract the doctoral candidate (DC) will be required to work exclusively on the MSCA programme. In all cases, all duties and responsibilities will be clearly outlined in the DC personal Career Development Plan, as determined in the early stages of the project between the DC and their supervisory committee. The University of Groningen offers 4-year PhD programs, and the additional 12 months of appointment will be paid by the University (including the research group)
Candidate Specification
Qualifications
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Applicants should hold or expect to attain, as a minimum a MSc or equivalent, in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioengineering or related area. | Computational skills |
Knowledge and Experience
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Research project carried out in at least one of the above disciplines. | Microscopy experience (optical, confocal), programming skills |
| A demonstrated knowledge of at least one of the following: protein chemistry, membrane biology, membrane biophysics, biomolecular condensates, soft matter, molecular biology |
Skills and Competencies
| Essential | Desirable |
|---|---|
| Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English. | |
| Evidence of interest, aptitude and research experience in the above disciplines. |
Application
- Before applying, please check the eligibility criteria HERE
- To apply, please use EVOLF@RUG.NL
Further information
For any informal queries, please contact Bert Poolman by sending an email to b.poolman@rug.nl