Aarhus University PhD: Catalytic DNA in Biofilms
Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship in Catalytic DNA in Biofilms at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme.
Application deadline: 1 November 2025
The position is available from February 2026 or later.
Research area and project description
Many bacteria live in biofilms: Multicellular bacterial communities encased in a shared extracellular matrix. One of the components of the extracellular matrix is extracellular DNA and RNA (eNA). In recent years, it has become evident that eNA provides structural stability when forming a net-like superstructure by interacting with polysaccharides and DNA-binding proteins.
The eNA superstructure also contains non-canonical structures like G-quadruplexes and Z-DNA. G-quadruplexes are particularly interesting because they form a catalytically active DNAzyme when binding hemin, which is available in the host environment during an infection. Our recent work has shown that this hemin-binding structure is responsible for extracellular electron transport in bacterial species not previously thought to be electroactive.
The aim of this PhD project is to determine the mechanisms by which bacteria form G-quadruplexes in the extracellular matrix of biofilms, and how the catalytic activity of G-quadruplex/hemin complexes impact electron transport in different types of biofilms, and how this activity might impact host-microbe interactions during infection.
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Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree or at least one year of a Master’s degree in molecular biology, biology, chemistry, or similar. Experience in the fields of molecular microbiology and/or electromicrobiology is preferred.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~100 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5 year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (www.inanoschool.au.dk) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships.
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Professor Rikke Louise Meyer, rikke.meyer@inano.au.dk
Apply
For full information and to apply, please visit the Aarhus University website.