PhD fellowship in protein structure and function

PhD Project in Structure, Dynamics and Enzymology of Copepod Luciferase
Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE
University of Copenhagen

Department of Biology, Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Structure, Dynamics and Enzymology of Copepod Luciferase funded by the Novonordisk Foundation.

Start date is expected to be May 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
The project is focused a small luciferase from the copepod Gaussia princeps which has a range of applications in molecular biology e.g. as reporter for gene expression and split-protein assays. It is among the most luminescent luciferases known. Nevertheless, structure elucidation has shown that the protein does not display a conventional hydrophobic core and has no obvious substrate binding pocket. Rather, the residual structure is extremely dynamic and shows peculiar and unconventional catalytic properties (please refer to doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.21.572513 and doi.org/10.1002/pro.4023). The catalytic mechanism remains unknown and the proposed project aims at understanding how the absence of a preformed active site can be coupled with high activity and highly specific substrate binding.

The project will involve a combination of biochemical and enzymatic studies as well as NMR spectroscopy and microcalorimetry to clarify many of the unknowns. In addition to members of the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre, the project involves Spanish and French research groups covering molecular dynamics simulations and synthetic chemistry. 

Who are we looking for?
Applicants should hold an MSc degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry or Molecular Biology with excellent grades and fluent English skills. As criteria for the assessment of your qualifications, emphasis will also be laid on previous publications (if any) and practical experience.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
Within the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, the research covers a number of topics including protein synthesis and turnover, structural biology and protein dynamics as well as protein design, engineering and enzymology. The Centre is firmly based in molecular biology and biophysics and comprises the groups of eight principal investigators held together by a strong collaborative spirit across all levels of seniority and extensive sharing of ideas as well as equipment. The Centre is located in Copenhagen and is hosted by the Section of Biomolecular Sciences (www.bio.ku.dk/english/research/bms/), Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories with state-of-the-art NMR, calorimetry and other relevant biophysical tools.

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
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. biochemistry, chemistry or biotechnology. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database .

Terms of employment
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 year full-time employment
• 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
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in enzymology, protein structure and function
• Good language skills

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

Please include: 

The deadline for applications is 7 March 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.