One or More PhD Stipends in Fungal Infections Fought by Recombinant Antibodies

Fungal pathogens present a growing threat to public health, affecting approximately a billion people worldwide through pathologies ranging from allergic syndromes to local mucocutaneous infections, to life-threatening systemic diseases. Due to existing gaps in diagnostics and clinical understanding the number of registered deaths due to fungal diseases of 1.5 million individuals is probably underestimated. The PhD positions aim to investigate a novel therapeutic pathway, prioritizing high-risk patient populations initially. We have recently identified novel therapeutic targets in a few fungal species and have obtained proof of concept that recombinant antibodies can be selected from phage display libraries specifically binding to these targets. The PhD studies will identify and purify similar targets from other fungal species and characterize these targets using mass spectrometry and NMR. Further recombinant antibodies and antibody mimetics will be selected from phage display libraries. These selections will be based on state-of-the-art technologies in Next generation sequencing and bioinformatics. The isolated antibodies will be expressed in various host systems and tested for in vitro and in vivo activity, involving model systems.

Requirements:

• A master's degree in biotechnology or a closely related field is an advantage.
• It will be considered an advantage if the applicants have prior experience within one or more of the following fields: fungal growth and characterization, secondary metabolite isolation and characterization, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance, phage display selections, recombinant antibody and mimetics, confocal microscopy, or protein expression and purification.
• The applicant must be interested in working in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Excellent oral and written English language skills are a requirement.

Application:

The application must contain:(1) Cover letter of 1-2 pages describing the motivation for applying and an account of the applicant’s background in relation to the announced position;(2) Project description, which is required for technical reasons– in this case, where you apply for a specific project, you may upload a copy of the project description above;(3) CV;(4) Diploma and transcripts of records; and(5) Other relevant information.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. We value diversity and see it as a strength.

You may obtain further information about the scientific aspects of the project from Laboratory Engineer, PhD, Klaus Westphal, Phone:+4599407248, mail:[email protected] .

The Department of Chemistry and Bioscience advances regional, national, and global knowledge build-up, while contributing to the solution of societal challenges through innovative research, problem-based education and knowledge-based collaborations. We produce excellent research in engineering and natural science and Aalborg University constantly ranks top of the World within engineering research and education. In the workplace, we strive for diversity in nationality, culture, and gender, growth as a team effort, maintaining an inspiring physical work environment, and ensuring a good work-life balance.

PhD stipends are allocated to individuals who hold a Master's degree. PhD stipends are normally for a period of 3 years. It is a prerequisite for allocation of the stipend that the candidate will be enrolled as a PhD student at the Doctoral School of Engineering and Science in accordance with the regulations of Ministerial Order No. 1039 of August 27, 2013 on the PhD Programme at the Universities and Certain Higher Artistic Educational Institutions. According to the Ministerial Order, the progress of the PhD student shall be assessed at regular points in time.

Shortlisting will be applied. This means that subsequent to the deadline for applications the head of department supported by the chair of the assessment committee will select candidates for assessment. All applicants will be informed whether they will be assessed or not.

For further information about stipends and salary as well as practical issues concerning the application procedure contact Ms. Vigdis Skomager-Bohnfeldt, The Doctoral School at The Faculty of Engineering and Science, email: [email protected] , phone:+45 9940 7408.

For more information of The Doctoral School of Engineering and Science:www.phd.engineering.aau.dk  

The application is only to be submitted online by using the"Apply online" button below.

AAU wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background or belief.

Appointment and salary as a PhD fellow are according to the Ministry of Finance Circular of 15 December 2021 on the Collective Agreement for Academics in Denmark, Appendix 5, regarding PhD fellows, and with the current Circular of 11 December 2019 on the employment structure at Danish universities.