PhD in DNA Origami for Actuating NanoMachines (Fixed Term)

Department/Location: Department of Physics, West Cambridge

The world-renowned Cavendish Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated student who enjoys working as part of a team to undertake a PhD in the NanoPhotonics Group (NP) led by Prof Jeremy J Baumberg, FRS (https://www.np.phy.cam.ac.uk/), as part of a prestigious European collaboration on building DNA origami for nanomachinery. 

DNA origami uses nanotechnologies to fold DNA strands into rigid 100nm-scale building blocks, to which nanoparticles and molecules can be carefully attached. We will turn these into nanomachines which can do mechanical work, long a dream of science fiction, for instance for implantable biodevices in healthcare, chemical remediation, or low cost sensors. One promising direction is to integrate functional polymer strands into these DNA devices, which allows them to respond to light, heat, or chemical environment. In this project you would design, construct, test, model, and develop DNA-polymer hybrid machines capable of exerting large forces. We have recently managed to construct these hybrids in proof-of-principle experiments. Our recent progress opens up many intriguing opportunities to make active metamaterials, such as incorporating functional nanoparticles. You would push this work into completely new areas. You would combine wet chemistry nano-assembly, nano-characterisation, with building optical rigs to allow you to watch single DNA devices operating under illumination. 

You will work as part of a larger team spread across Cambridge, as well as at LMU in Munich and the University of Heidelberg, who will provide different opportunities for you to develop.  You would gain experience across a wide range of interdisciplinary areas including nano-assembly, optics, colloidal chemistry, and simulations across physics, chemistry, and engineering. 

Applicants should have, or be expected to gain, a high (1st or 2:1) honours degree in Physics or Chemistry. 

For any enquiries about the project please e-mail Prof Jeremy J Baumberg (jjb12@cam.ac.uk) or Prof Ulrich Keyser (ufk20@cam.ac.uk). 

Please quote reference KA47823 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

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