PhD fellowship in GPCR signalling - re-posted

PhD Project in quantitative imaging of GPCR mechanosensation

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

Department of Chemistry invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in quantitative imaging of GPCR signaling. The project is part of the research project “GPCRmec: Quantitative investigation of GPCR mechanosensation”, which is financed by Novonordisk Foundation (Interdisciplinary Synergy Programme).

Start date is (expected to be) 01 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

GPCRs are membrane proteins that take part in a myriad of physiological processes and are thus involved in numerous pathologies, which makes them the targets of about 36% of all FDA-approved drugs. This PhD project aims to investigate the role of GPCR mechanosensation in tissue-specificityGPCR pharmacology.

The project will be based on high-throughput processing of fluorescence images for the quantitative detection of multiple signaling pathways in single living cells. It will include the establishment of novel assays for the detection of mechanosensation at the subcellular level.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the field(s) of Biophysics, Nanoscience, Molecular biochemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal chemistry,  or the like. Applicants can have a background in fluorescence imaging, fluorescence spectroscopy, cell biology and molecular biology. Experience with investigations of GPCR signaling will be appreciated.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The group is a part of the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. Our research is dedicated to the development of novel solutions to improve investigations of membrane proteins. It includes fluorescence microscopies, development of image analysis procedures and use of micro and nanoscale devices. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and research infrastructure.

The project is part of an interdisciplinary project, which includes close collaborations with 3 other groups from the University of Copenhagen and several international laboratories. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Principal supervisor isAssociate Professor Karen Martinez, Department of Chemistry, [email protected] , +45.35.32.04.75

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. cell biophysics, fluorescence imaging and GPCR signaling. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Previous publications (if any)
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in biophysics for biomedical applications
• Good communication skills and interest for multidisciplinary projects
• Good language skills

• The grade point average achieved

***************************************************************************

Application and Assessment Procedure

 Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include: 

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 21 02 2024, 23:59 GMT +1

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/ .

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position. 

Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.