CFM (Centro de Física de Materiales) offers a 3-year funded position to carry out a PhD in the
field of supramolecular peptide assemblies under the supervision of Dr. Ivan Sasselli Ramos
within the program JAE-PRE. Further details and applications via CSIC: JAEPRE23-45.
Short Peptide Induced Gelation of Electrostatically Charged Supramolecular Assemblies
Our research focuses on the symbiotic combination of experimental and computational
methods to design, understand, and optimize supramolecular peptide assemblies (SPAs) for
certain applications. We have successfully applied this combined approach in the
optimization of artificial extracellular matrices for tissue regeneration with great
results in controlling human stem cells differentiation and in spinal cord regeneration in mice.
Objective
Based on newfound knowledge, we will develop short peptide co-assemblers (SPCs) with
high affinity for the target SPAs, thereby enabling us to finetune surface and structure
features to control interfilamentous interactions. As these interactions determine mechanical
properties and interactions with membranes, their control holds paramount importance for their
application as scaffolds for tissue regeneration and others such as catalysis.
PhD Training Program
The project´s computational/experimental balance will be adapted to the candidate's interests.
The potential candidate does not require previous knowledge in the field but a willingness to
learn and work on a multidisciplinary project at the intersection of computational chemistry,
structural biochemistry, physics, and biology. The candidate will develop a deep understanding
of the fundamentals of intermolecular interactions and supramolecular self-assembly, focusing on
the understanding and design of functional soft materials. The candidate will have the
opportunity to learn computational and experimental methods, including spectroscopic,
microscopy, and other material characterization techniques. Additionally, we will encourage the
creativity of the candidate to take the lead in the project and propose new directions.
Dr. Ivan Sasselli is fully committed to the training and close supervision of students with the
purpose of adapting to them and giving guidance throughout their PhD. He has developed a
strategy to follow the work and evolution of the students. The plan is not only intended for the PI
to keep track of the student work but also to help the students to maintain a perspective of their
progress and acquire the skills needed to independently guide their own research.
The student will attend international workshops and conferences to complement their skills and
disseminate results. Additionally, as part of the UPV-EHU and CSIC, the student will have access
to a wide range of training activities including MSc and PhD classes, PhD seminars, different
Transversal Skills Programs (UPV-EHU, CFM, and DIPC), and CSIC courses.
References
1. Sasselli, I. R., et al., Soft Matter 2016, 12, 8307-8315.
2. Sasselli, I. R., et al., J. Phys. Chem. B 2022, 126, 650-659.
3. Álvarez, Z., et al., Science 2021, 374, 848-856.
4. Alvarez, Z., et al., Cell Stem Cell 2022, 30, 1-20.
5. Qiu, R., et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 5562-5574.
6. Sather, N. A., et al., Small 2021, 17, 2005743.
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