The Scholarship

Oversampling of a coherent diffraction pattern from a single object is a fairly recent method to solve the phase problem in diffraction techniques. In this way, shape and structure of an individual object can be retrieved without prior assumptions about the phase shift. The oversampling method, pioneered by Prof. John Miao at the University of California, with whom we collaborate on this project, has already been applied to X-rays and high energy electrons.

Instead of X-rays or high energy electrons however, which are known to cause severe damage to biological samples, we shall employ our coherent low energy electron source to obtain over-sampled diffraction patterns with low energy electrons. We believe that this shall lead to a novel tool for structural biology on the single molecule level.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated PhD candidate with a master or diploma degree or equivalent in physics to join this challenging project. She or he will work within a small interdisciplinary team with international partners. Good communication skills and the ability to communicate in English are desirable.

The planned work will involve the operation of a dedicated low energy electron microscope, detector development and optimization for low energy electrons. The candidate may also be involved with the application of biological sample preparation techniques such as freeze drying, nano-structuring by a focussed ion beam (FIB) and the recording of suitable diffraction patterns of individual molecules, which will then be reconstructed in collaboration with Prof. Miao. Depending on the background and interest of the candidate, a well-defined sub-project of the above mentioned tasks will constitute the frame of the thesis work.

The position will be available immediately or at a date of mutual consent. A written application including a CV and a list of up to three references should be sent to Prof. Dr. Hans-Werner Fink, Physik Institut, Winterthurerstrasse 190, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.

For further information please contact Dr. Jean-Nicolas Longchamp:
jean.longchamp@physik.uzh.ch

Application Deadline : 15 September 2010