Despite the huge effort that is put into the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic tools, human diseases such as infections and cancer represent still the major cause of death worldwide. Thus, radically new technologies and concepts have to be developed to face these open challenges.
In the H2020 FETopen project MARA (Molecular Analytical Robotics Assays), we will develop and combine three radically novel technologies that may lead to substantial breakthroughs in science and medicine. For the proof-of principle, we will use a DNA-based molecular toolkit for the targeted characterisation and destruction of cells.
Our approach is based on "DNA origami" which is a technique that uses different DNA strands to form complex self-assembling structures. Although several DNA origami design tools such as cadnano have been developed already, more sophisticated software is required to design functional DNA robots. Molecular dynamics simulations have to be combined with DNA origami, molecular structure calculations and e.g. vector based design functions. Supercomputers such as the Vienna Science Cluster should be used to perform structure calculations.
The ideal candidate for this position should have high level programming skills in C/C++ and experience in Python and/or Mathlab. Knowledge in molecular biology is desirable but not required. A good comprehension of mathematical formulas and a high spatial intelligence are skills that are essential for this position.
The work will be conducted at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology in Vienna, Austria. In this very ambitious and innovative project, we collaborate with several well established research groups in and outside of Europe. If you are interested in this position please send your CV and motivation letter to ivan.barisic@ait.ac.at.
