Postdoc Artificial molecular motors based DNA-walkers for linear transport along a track
Molecular machines are essential for biological processes such as molecular transport, DNA maintenance, and motion. The ability to design and control synthetic molecular machines offers groundbreaking opportunities in nanomedicine, adaptive materials, and self-healing systems. This project, part of the NWO-XL collaborative initiative "Joining Forces for Human-Made Molecular Machines", focuses on designing motorized DNA-nanoscale building blocks and to demonstrate the first light-controlled artificial muscles and conveyor belts.
The combined efforts of a postdoctoral researcher and a PhD student will focus on designing and synthesizing molecular rotary motors with the necessary functionalities for DNA binding, leveraging the extensive expertise developed in the Feringa group. Further functionalization of these target molecules with force transducers for direct mechanical probing, along with thorough characterization of motor rotation and DNA binding, is planned. Special attention will be given to designing molecular systems that operate effectively in aqueous environments. This project aims to push the boundaries of synthetic molecular machinery by exploring photochemical properties, rotational speed control, and functionalization for biomolecular integration.
Organization
The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.
The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems.
The research program of the Feringa group is focused on synthetic and physical organic chemistry. Inspired by Nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion and catalysis, the goal is to exploit the full potential of synthetic chemistry to create new structures and functions. A major part of the research is directed towards dynamic molecular systems. The focus is on molecular nanoscience, novel responsive materials and photo-pharma exploring biohybrid systems, self-assembly, molecular switches and motors. A second part of the program deals with the development (and application in chemical biology) of novel stereoselective synthesis methods and asymmetric catalysis. Chirality is a leading theme and over the years a unique and broad expertise in fundamental aspects of stereochemistry has been acquired including chiroptical phenomena, chiral amplification and origin of chirality.
