The draft doctorate aims to improve understanding of the interfaces between inorganic nanoparticles such as hydroxyapatite and calcite with peptides and other biopolymers that bind selectively to these surfaces. The bottom-up investigation aims at developing alternative materials bone and biological lightweight composite materials.

This project will focus on aspects of molecular modeling, molecular dynamics using and / or technologies Monte Carlo
In close interaction with biochemists and engineers synthesize and characterize the hybrid materials (phages, TEM, XRD, NMR, etc.).

Jalonnée by developing the fields of force for Ca-based mineral (hydroxyapatite, calcite, the calcium phosphate), the calculation of binding energies, structure functions of the correlation peptides on surfaces, and the derivation of Principles for interface design of nanoparticles peptide – With specific responses to external stimuli (ion concentration, protonation, electric fields).

Applicants must have a first class or upper second degree (or equivalent) in chemistry / biomedical engineering, chemistry, condensed matter physics, and materials science. Familiarity with at least one programming language and prior experience in a research project would be a plus.

The draft doctorate is fully supported with an allocation of $ 25k per annum for highly qualified candidates. About the location: The Polymer Science and Engineering at the University of Akron was ranked No. 2 in the USA. The cost of living is very affordable, and Akron is located near several lakes, as well as Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Please see http://www.poly-eng.uakron.edu/Heinz.htm for more information. Apply http://www.poly-eng.uakron.edu/grad_requirements.htm to complete and send in surveys hendrikheinzXR@hotmail.com (please remove XR – spam protection).

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution.