RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

P4: Nanomedicine against cancer and infection

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR(S)

Dr Cristina Flors

Research Group website: https://nanociencia.imdea.org/home-en/people/item/cristina-flors-ong

Dr Isabel Rodríguez

Research Group website: https://nanociencia.imdea.org/nanostructured-functional-surfaces-program/group-home

RESEARCH TOPIC DESCRIPTION

Super-resolution fluorescence microscopy (SRFM) is able to improve by an order of magnitude the spatial resolution in light microscopy, and is already having a massive impact in understanding biology at the nanoscale in living systems. Our laboratory is interested in the development of SRFM methods, from new fluorescence labelling strategies to novel hardware implementations. This project aims to apply SRFM to understand the nanoscale interaction between eukaryotic cells and nanomaterials, with particular emphasis on mechanical effects. Specifically, we are interested in nanopillared surfaces as mechanical actuators that can change the nanoscale distribution of chromatin and its downstream effects. Understanding nuclear mechanics and mechanotransduction at the nanoscale is highly relevant to a number of diseases such as muscular dystrophy, progeria or cancer.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The candidate should have a background in Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biophysics or similar. Previous experience in human cell culture and super-resolution fluorescence microscopy, including advanced image analysis, is essential, and knowledge of chromatin structure and function would be very valuable.

PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Previous collaborating institutions that are relevant to this project are Centro Nacional de Biotecnología and Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas. Depending on the evolution of the project and the interests of the candidate, other secondments may be considered.