Combined use of hard X-ray phase contrast imaging and X-ray fluorescence cryo-microscopy for biology and life science with the X-ray microscope at the synchrotron facility ANKA

Combined use of hard X-ray Zernike phase contrast imaging and X-ray fluorescence microscopy in the energy range of [5-11 keV] for the investigation of biological systems in a cryogenic environment will be performed with the Carl-Zeiss Cryo microscope installed recently at the beamline NANO at the synchrotron facility ANKA. The implementation of the cryogenic system into the microscope will allow the study of cells / tissue/ organisms in a close-to-native hydrated state. In addition, we are aiming to avoid artifacts introduced by chemical fixation / dehydration thus reducing distortion and radiation damage, in particular to oxidation state and finally achieving elemental mapping of vitrified samples (processed by High Pressure Freezing) at cryogenic temperatures (LN2). The zebrafish is a vertebrate model system that, with its small size and transparency, offers a unique opportunity to study muscle membrane repair in an intact muscle in real time. The major novelty of our project is the unique combination of genetic and multi-modal imaging methods including X-ray fluorescence microscopy that allows us to understand the molecular mechanisms and the dynamics of membrane repair at the tissue level. We will develop advanced live-organism fluorescence microscopy techniques that will enable us to follow the time course of the repair process as well as the interactions between the different components of the system in a near-physiological state. The progresses in the development of X ray fluorescence microscopy present a huge advantage in order to go directly into 3D imaging of the region of interest i.e the repair patch.

Tasks
The task is to contribute in performing high resolution imaging at optimal resolution of the membrane patch repair in sarcolemma of laser-injured myofibers in 3 days old embryos (Under the supervision of a zebrafish biologist and electron microscopy M specialist (Claude Antony at ITG) and Transmission full field microscopy specialist (Sondes Bauer, ANKA)). This involves learning the cryo-fixation by High pressure freezing (HPF) (vitrification/Cryo-immoblization), to inject eggs with constructs, to select the positive fluorescent embryos samples and to handle the High pressure freezer device (Wohlwend Compact 2 machine) to vitrify the samples. As a second step, the candidate will learn the transfer into the microscope in cryogenic conditions and to operate the microscope.

Weitere Informationen

Unternehmen

Thesius Inspiration

Bereich/Abteilung

Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, ANKA Synchrotronstrahlungsquelle

Abschlussart

Bachelorarbeit

Branche

Chemie und Pharmazie

Schlagwörter

Abbildung high resolution imaging biology cryo-microscopy Mikroskop Fluoreszenz fluorescence Strahlung Röntgen X-ray

Anforderungen

Candidates should be student in physics, chemistry and biology and speaking fluently English (good level in reading and writing). Strong interests in experimental solid state physics, biology, and/or chemistry is required. Programming skills, in Matlab, C, C++, and/or Python, are advantageous.

Zusatzinformationen

Diplomthesis, Bachelorthesis, Masterthesis

Hier bewerben: http://stellen.jobs.kit.edu/cgi-bin/appl/list.pl?tmpl=job_details&job_nr=6221BE1D-78AB-4A4E-965E-0CB6BF2A2B32

Vertragsdauer: befristet 3-6 months regarding study regulations

Eintrittstermin: by appointment

Bewerbung bis: 22.02.2015

Ansprechpartner/in für fachliche Fragen:
Fachliche Auskünfte erteilt Ihnen gerne Dr. Sondes Bauer, ANKA, Phone: +49 721 608 26489 (E-Mail: sondes.bauer@kit.edu)

Bewerbung:
Bitte senden Sie Ihre Bewerbung online unter Angabe der Stellenausschreibungsnummer ANKA 08-14 an Frau Berger, Berufliche Ausbildung, Telefon 0721 608-25184.


Bei entsprechender Eignung werden schwerbehinderte Bewerber/innen bevorzugt berücksichtigt.