FPU2023-Design of Functional Supramolecular Peptide Assemblies

We are seeking a PhD candidate to work in the field of self-assembled biomaterials in a highly creative environment focused on the creation of new materials. Our research focuses on the symbiotic combination of experimental and computational methods to design, understand, and optimize supramolecular peptide assemblies for certain applications (Figure 1).1-2 We have successfully applied this combined approach in the past for the optimization of artificial extracellular matrices for tissue regeneration with great results in controlling the differentiation of human stem cells and in the regeneration of the spinal cord in mice.3-4 The project´s computational/experimental balance will be adapted to the candidate’s interests. The potential candidate does not require previous knowledge in the field but a willingness to learn and work in a multidisciplinary project on the edge between computational chemistry, structural biochemistry, physics, and biology. The candidate will have the chance to learn computational and experimental methods, including spectroscopic, microscopy, and other material characterization techniques. Additionally, we will encourage the creativity of the candidate to take the lead in the project and propose new directions.