Practical trainings, student assistants and theses

The application of phage surface display (PSD) technology has accelerated developments in the field of biomolecular sensors and materials science. A practical complement to this technology is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). In this combination, a more comprehensive view of biopanning rounds with a deep insight into the entire sequence space is made possible. It is possible to identify sequencing artefacts, determine sequence number and structure, recognize binding motifs and observe the evolution of the phage library over the course of an experiment. PSD in combination with biopanning is able to select candidates with high affinity and selectivity to the desired substrates from large peptide libraries. In practice, this specific enrichment of peptides leads to a reduction in library diversity. It should therefore be possible to better visualize this reduction in sequence space using data clustering methods in order to better understand distances between similar sequence families.

Prerequisite is a valid enrollment in a Master's program in bioinformatics, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biology or a related natural science program. Furthermore:

- Interest in data cluster methods and bioinformatics
- Basic knowledge in bioinformatics, statistics, stochastics and clustering
- Experience with a programming language (e.g. Python, R, C, C++ or other)
- Ability to work independently and in a team
Interested students are invited to submit their application documents including CV, last academic transcript and letter of motivation.

The topic is to be worked on as part of a Master's thesis in conjunction with a mandatory internship. This results in a duration of 12 months. The duration can be extended or adjusted in consultation with the supervisor. We can offer you:

- An innovative multidisciplinary research environment related to relevant issues in resource technology
- Supervision by experienced scientists and researchers
- Practical experience in the field of bioinformatics and directed evolution

Ion flotation and solvent extraction are promising separation processes to separate and/or remove low concentrated metals from process waters. The demand for developing special collectors (ion flotation reagent)/extractants for enhanced separation efficiency of metals using these processes is increasing due to increased demand for the metals. Further to make these processes sustainable, these special molecules need to be highly selective, efficient and ecofriendly. Strong metal binding ability is the main requisite for such novel molecules and further depending on their application, they need to behave as flotation or solvent extraction reagent. However, synthesizing novel collectors having both abilities is a challenging task. Thus, the main aim is to modify the molecules with already known metal specificity, to introduce the hydrophobicity required for the ion flotation or solvent extraction process.
This student work aims to modify the molecules by adding new functionalities and synthesizing them for improved metal complexation and process application. Additionally, their characterization as possible reagents in either flotation or solvent extraction processes will be investigated. The results will help in fundamental understanding of modified molecules in terms of their interaction with metals as well as form the basis for the development of a sustainable metal recovery process. This interdisciplinary project offers a unique integration of approaches, competences and resources in biotechnology, chemistry and process and environmental engineering and involves different departments at HIF.

Tasks:

• Selection of hydrophobic group
• Modification, synthesis and purification of novel molecules
• Characterization of developed molecules, Ion flotation or solvent extraction tests

• Field of study: Chemistry, Chemical Engineering
• Experience in organic chemistry, knowledge of the techniques to synthesize compounds and to characterize them; experience in coordination chemistry, biochemistry and/or technical chemistry is advantageous
• Good communication skills in German and English, spoken and written
• Ability to work independently and systematically

Working in a multi-disciplinary and international team, with world class research environment at HZDR and HIF.
Can get cross functional working experience and exposure to organic synthesis, modified biomolecules, solution and extractive hydrometallurgy, process biotechnology, chemical and environmental engineering

• Working place HZDR: Location Dresden or Freiberg (HIF)
• Start date: Either an immediate start or a start in 2023 is possible
• Duration: 6 month
• Remuneration according to HZDR internal regulation