Internships Faculty of Science

KU Leuven

Leuven, Belgiumsc.kuleuven.be

We invite motivated and talented undergraduate(Bachelor) and Master students, interested in aninternational research experience at KU Leuven’s sciencedepartments, to apply for an internship.Applicants are required to submit:

– a one page CV (resume)– a one page motivation letter, including a short

statement of personal research interests– 2 letters of recommendation

Duration: min. 3 – max. 6 monthsFinancial support: stipend or self-supportingDeadline for application: 20th of January 2017

More information about the research internships topics can be found below

Internshipssc.kuleuven.be/internships

research theme research internship (ri) project title ri # environment

nuclear physics Coulomb excitation measurements and radiation detector developments ri 1

detector lab and CERN

nuclear physics In-gas jet laser ionization spectroscopy ri 2

new laser & mass separator lab

nuclear physics & solid state physics

Relation between local structure and functionality in topological materials ri3

analytical research& CER?/ESF

nuclear physics & Solid State physics

Phonos in superconducting nanostructured materials ri4

detector lab

solid state physics The skyrmion lattice in magnetic FeSi and FeGe films ri5

Mössbauer lab

Biochemistry Plasmin activation in thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura ri6

research lab

Biochemistry Computer simulations of DNA dynamics ri7 analytical research

Geography Reconstructing Floodplain changes in Flanders ri8 field work, laboratory work & microscopic work

Astrophysics Computational tools to stimulate realistics solar, astrophysical or plasma physics scenarios ri9

Analytical research& numericalresearch

Biology Identification and mode of action of volatileessential oil components affecting morphogenesis in the human fungal pathogenCandida Albicans ri10

Research lab

Detailed descriptions of the research internships topics can be found below

ri 1Coulomb excitation measurements and radiation detector developmentsCoulomb excitation and decay spectroscopy are key experimental tools todeduce nuclear observables like transition matrix elements, energy levelsand radioactive decay half lives. These observables are benchmarks tovalidate nuclear theory and to give insight in the strong force at work in theatomic nucleus.At the ISOLDE radioactive beam facility at CERN (Switzerland) a newaccelerator has been commissioned for the acceleration of short-livedradioactive ion beams. These beams are used for Coulomb excitationexperiments; in-elastic scattering experiments whereby the atoms are excitedto higher lying energy states. The emitted radiation after de-excitation isdetected with an array of high purity germanium semi-conductor detectors.This so-called Miniball detector is shown in its position at the ISOLDE facility.

applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred):Master in Physics or Master in Engineering majoring in physics or nanoscience and nanotechnology

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Piet Van Duppen, Prof. Mark Huyse

Duration: between 3 and 6 months

Stipend: yes

Radiation detectors used for theexperiments at CERN are tested,characterized and upgrade at thedetector laboratory at KU Leuven. Asa trainee you will be involved in thiswork and, depending on the beamtime schedule at CERN, you willparticipate in an experimentalcampaign at ISOLDE.At the end of the internship an oralpresentation of the work performed ismandatory.

ri 2In-gas jet laser ionization spectroscopy

Laser spectroscopy is a key experimental tool to deduce nuclear observableslike charge radii, magnetic dipole and quadrupole moments and nuclearspins. These observable are benchmarks to validate nuclear theory and togive insight in the strong force at work in the atomic nucleus.A new project to develop this technique for the heaviest elements ofMedeljev’s table has been initiated at KU Leuven through funds from theEuropean Research Council (ERC). The approach is based in-gas jet laserionization spectroscopy and a new laser and mass separator laboratory hasrecently been commissioned. The characteristics of the laser ionizationschemes for different elements, gas-jet formation and ion transport systemsare investigated in order to optimize efficiency, selectivity and spectral linewidth.

applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred):Master in Physics or Master in Engineering majoring in physics or nanoscience and nanotechnology

Responsible scientist(s): Dr. Rafael Ferrer, Prof. Piet Van Duppen, Prof. Mark Huyse

Duration: between 3 and 6 months

Stipend: yes

Depending on your specific interests andbackground, as trainee you will beinvolved in different aspects of theproject: setting-up and optimizing thelaser system, developing efficientionization schemes, characterizing thegas-jet dynamics and capture of photoions in a radio frequency ion trap.At the end of the internship an oralpresentation of the work performed ismandatory.

ri 3Relation between local structure and functionalityin topological materialsFor decades, electronics has been based on the charge of electrons. By exploitingthe additional degree of freedom of the electron spin (and the associated magneticmoment), spintronics promises a new generation of devices with superiorperformance and new functionalities. A new spintronics paradigm is emerging whichis based on newly discovered topological materials and phenomena, instead ofconventional semiconductors (e.g. Si or GaAs) and magnetic metals (e.g. Co andNi) currently used in electronics and spintronics. Although the physics underlyingthe functionality of these new materials is fundamentally different from that ofconventional semiconductors and magnetic materials, the electronic and topologicalphenomena can be tuned using equivalent approaches (doping and alloying).

This internship is embedded in our group’s ongoing research on the relationbetween the functional properties (induced or modified by doping/alloying) and thelocal structure (of the dopants / alloying elements), based on a unique experimentalapproach that combines radioactive ion beams (at the ISOLDE facility at CERN)and high-brilliance X-ray radiation (at the European synchrotron – ESRF). Inparticular, the intern will study the local structure of doped and alloyed topologicalmaterials (e.g. Ge1-xSnxTe and Mn-doped Bi2Se3), using two complementarytechniques: emission channeling (EC) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure(EXAFS).

Applicant’s Current Degree Program (preferred):Physics

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Lino Pereira,Prof. André Vantomme, Prof. Kristiaan Temst

Duration: +/- 3 months

Stipend: +/- € 900/month

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Channeling spectrum of Mn-doped Bi2Se3

ri 4 Phonons in superconducting nanostructured materialsIn reduced dimensionality systems such as nanostructures, the vibrationalproperties, described by the phonon density of states (PDOS), are expected to beaffected by geometrical confinement, leading to strong deviations from the bulkbehavior. A good understanding of the size and elastic strain effects on the materialvibrational properties is not only of great interest from a fundamental point of viewbut it will also be extremely valuable for a wide range of applications, such as forheat transfer control in nanoscale electronics devices. In this project we willquantitatively evaluate the influence of phonon confinement on the superconductingproperties of Sn nanowires.We intend to investigate the vibrational properties of a model 2D confined systemmade of tin nanowires embedded in an alumina matrix (see picture). 2D confinedsystems have two confined directions, leaving the third direction, in the presentcase the direction parallel to the nanowires axis, unconfined. By performing thisexperiment, we expect to obtain insight into size and strain effects that may affectthe phonon density of states of tin nanowires. In particular we aim at providinganswers to the following questions: do we observe any size effect, and if so can itbe related to the nanowires diameter? Does the confinement result in a PDOSanisotropy? How are the vibrational properties of tin nanowires modified as thetemperature and thus the axial strain is increased? Can we make a correlation withthe superconducting properties of the Sn nanowires?

Applicant’s Current Degree Program (preferred):Physics

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Kristiaan Temst,Prof. André Vantomme, Prof. Margriet Van Bael

Duration: +/- 3 months

Stipend: +/- €900/monthElectron microscopy picture of nanowires in an alumina matrix

ri 5 The skyrmion lattice in magnetic FeSi and FeGe filmsMagnetism of thin films is one of the core research topics in solid state physics.During the past ten years the focus of attention has shifted towards magnetism atthe nanoscale regime, a regime which has become accessible due to the progressin deposition and lithography techniques, as well as to the progress in thesensitivity of advanced characterization techniques. Although some manifestationsof magnetic interactions like ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism, helical andcycloidal order have been known for a long time, nature still has some surprises instore: just over two years ago the first experimental evidence was found for the so-called ‘skyrmion’ state: this is the spontaneous formation of vortex-like spinstructures while applying a modest magnetic field. These skyrmions arrangethemselves in a hexagonal lattice (see figure), comparable to the vortex state in atype-II superconductor. As this is still a very recent finding, many fundamentalquestions are still unsolved, e.g. in what range of fields and temperatures does theskyrmion lattice appear, can we visualize the lattice in thin films, how is it related tothe structure and morphology of the film?In this project we will prepare FeSi and FeGe thin film samples using solid phaseepitaxy, a technique that we have been refining over the past two decades. Inthese samples we will study the skyrmion lattice using Mössbauer spectroscopyand we will use the powerful x-ray beams of a synchrotron to investigate themagnetic spin structure of skyrmions. With this project we will deliver a significantcontribution to the deeper understanding of this new and exciting magnetic feature.

Applicant’s Current Degree Program (preferred):Physics

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Kristiaan Temst,Prof. André Vantomme, Prof. Margriet Van Bael

Duration: +/- 3 months

Stipend: €900 / month Lorentz microscopy picture of the skyrmion lattice in FeGe

ri6Plasmin activation in thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpuraVon Willebrand Factor (VWF) is a multimeric protein present in the blood, with animportant role in vascular injury and prevention of blood loss. VWF can recruitplatelets from the circulation, resulting in clot formation. To prevent spontaneousclot formation, the multimeric size of VWF needs to be regulated. The enzymeADAMTS13 cleaves VWF into smaller multimers, thereby reducing its thromboticpotential. A deficiency in ADAMTS13 activity is associated with thromboticthrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a life-threatening pathology where microthrombiare blocking the smaller capillaries in several organs (Figure 1). As a result, thetransport of oxygen and nutrients to organs is blocked, causing fever, neurologicalcomplications, renal impairment, and death when left untreated. TTP patients aretreated with plasma exchange or with fresh frozen plasma to replenish ADAMTS13.However, not all patients respond to this treatment method, and only 80-90% of thepatients survive an acute episode.The pathophysiology of TTP is still not fully understood. Patients with TTP onlyhave sporadic acute episodes where microthrombi are formed. We and others havepreviously demonstrated that there are other enzymes present in the blood that arealso able to cleave VWF. One of those enzymes is plasmin; an enzyme mostlyknown for its role in the cleavage of fibrin. We were able to demonstrate thatplasmin is highly increased during acute TTP, and that unrestrained plasmin activityresults in recovery from severe TTP symptoms in mice. Students doing aninternship will actively participate in current scientific research on the role ofplasmin within TTP pathophysiology. This will be done using techniques such as: invivo experiments, ELISA, VWF multimer analysis, immunohistochemistry, westernblot and flow cytometry.

Applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred):Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, BioengineeringResponsible scientist(s): Prof. Dr. Karen Vanhoorelbeke, Dr. Claudia Tersteeg

Duration: 2 months

Stipend: 500€/monthFigure 1: Brain microvasculature containing occlusive VWF-rich microthrombi.

ri7Computer simulations of DNA dynamics

DNA is not just a passive carrier of genetic information, but it is a molecule withremarkable physical properties. To interact with other biomolecules in the cell DNAoften has to bend, stretch and twist. Each human cell contains about 2 meters ofDNA, which are compressed in a nucleus of the size of the order of a micrometer.The way this compression is done is to date not fully clear. This example and manyothers from molecular biology have driven the interest of physicist towards theunderstanding of the physical (mechanical and thermodynamical) properties ofDNA.

In this summer internship the student will participate to one of the research projectsof our group, which focuses on computer simulations of DNA dynamics. Thestudent will learn to use molecular dynamics computer codes for efficient coarse-grained simulations of DNA, to run simulations and analyze the data. Coarse-graining refers to methods in which several atoms are clustered in a single bead inorder to reduce the number of degrees of freedom of the system. In this way onecan simulate long DNA sequences for long time and study phenomena which wouldnot be accessible to all atom simulations. An example of the result of coarse-grained model (a “kissing stem-loop”) is shown in the figure obtained from the codeoxDNA

Applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred):Physics, Chemistry, Computer ScienceResponsible scientist(s): Prof. Enrico Carlon (enrico.carlon@kuleuven.be)

Duration: Summer internship 2-3 months

Stipend: Possible

ri 8Reconstructing Floodplain Changes in Flanders

Description

Many rivers in West and Central Europe have undergone important changes through the Holocene period. Due to human impact such as deforestation and agricultural activities, sediment deposition in floodplains increased. As a consequence, the geomorphology and ecology of the floodplains changed. In some river systems the river changed from a marshy environment with diffuse water transport (no clear river channel present), towards a single channel meandering river as we know the rivers nowadays (see figure). However, when and how these changes occurred and what the exact role was of human impact for these changes is not clear for many areas in Flanders. Moreover, climate change, land use change, floodwater regulations etc. will potentially change floodplains in the future. To be able to predict and deal with these future changes in floodplains, we need reliable reconstructions of past changes in floodplain geomorphology and ecology for a variety of floodplain environments, thus using the past as a key to the future. For this project, we are looking for students that actively participate in reconstructing the geomorphological and ecological changes of floodplains in Flanders, to better understand past floodplain changes and to better predict future changes. The internship will include fieldwork (hand corings), lab-analyses (pollen extraction) and microscope work (pollen counting).

applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred): Geography, Earth Sciences, Geology, Archaeology, Biology, Palaeobotany

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Gert Verstraeten, Dr. Nils Broothaers

Duration: 3 months

Stipend: maybe

ri 9Computational tools to simulate realistic solar, astrophysical or plasma physics scenariosThis type of research concentrates on the dynamical interaction between plasmas(the fourth and most abundant state of all known matter in our universe) andmagnetic fields. This interaction gives rise to a wide range of fascinating andspectacular phenomena, including all aspects of our local space weather relatedto coronal mass ejections (see picture). Plasma dynamics also governsplanetary and stellar magnetospheric physics, the turbulent motions in accretiondisks, up to the jets observed wherever stars are born or die, or the relativistic jetsemerging from entire galaxies, as seen on images taken by the Hubble spacetelescope.We have developed unique expertise in all aspects of plasma-physicalmodeling, ranging from advanced analytical theories to the development, use andexploitation of state-of-the-art computational tools to simulate realistic solar,astrophysical or fundamental plasma physics scenarios. The Sun and theheliosphere are our favorite research objects and are regarded as a showcase forplasma behavior in other astrophysical objects.The macroscopic behavior of most plasmas can be described by themagnetohydrodynamical (MHD) model. In this model formulas from fluid dynamicsare combined with formulas describing the interacting of magnetic fields and fluids.The topics of semester internships relate directly to the applications of themagnetohydrodynamical (MHD) model on solar astrophysics. The mathematicalmodeling using MHD is extremely varied and gives rise to a number ofinteresting mathematical analytical and numerical techniques and challenges.Students doing an internship actively participate in current scientific research onthe modeling of coronal mass ejections, MHD shock waves, seismology in coronalloops and in solar winds, magnetoseismology of magnetic accretion discs,astrophysical jets. (only semester internships, no summer research)

Applicant’s Current Degree Program (Preferred):Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Physics, ComputerScience and EngineeringResponsible scientist(s): Prof. Stefaan Poedts,Prof. Rony Keppens, Prof. Tom Van DoorsselaereDuration: 3 months

ri10Identification and mode of action of volatile essential oil components affecting morphogenesis in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicansCandida albicans is a commensal in most if not all humans. When the immunesystem is working perfectly, it does not cause any harm. When the immune systemis weakened, e.g. AIDS patients, it becomes virulent and results in death of thepatients in about 50 % of the cases. Virulence is mostly associated with change inmorphology from yeast cells to hyphal cells. So if we can block morphogenesis,we can block virulence and we allow the yeast form cells to stay there as acommensal.In our lab we have a large collection of essential oils. Each oil is a complex mixtureof about 100 essential oil components (EOCs). We have developed a technologyto identify active components in these complex mixtures without the need to purifythese components. In one of our screens we have observed that volatilecomponents in such an oil may affect the growth and/or morphogenesis of C.albicans cells at a distance, i.e the oil is not in direct contact with the cells. We aimto determine which are the volatile components that have this activity at a distanceand how do these molecules affect morphogenesis. In our lab we have a numberof tools to investigate which of the known signal transduction pathways involved inmorphogenesis may be involved. If identified we will use the pure EOC to performRNAseq analysis to help in unraveling the mode of action. We will also try toisolate suppressor mutants that again undergo morphogenesis as this may alsoresult in the identification of the pathway involved. You will gain expertise inmicrobiology, molecular biology, cell biology and will use state-of-the-arttechnologies to solve our research question.

applicant’s Current Degree program (preferred):Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical

Responsible scientist(s): Prof. Patrick Van Dijck,Adam Feyaerts, Eva Pauwels

Duration: 2 to 3 months

Stipend: possibly