PhD Position in the HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN Doctoral Network “B-ACTIVE” on posttranslational modifications in the chemokine network.

30 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Karl-Franzens-University Graz

Department

Human Ressources

Research Field

Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Austria

Application Deadline

29 Feb 2024 - 23:30 (Europe/Berlin)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

40

Offer Starting Date

1 May 2024

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

H2020 / Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

Marie Curie Grant Agreement Number

101120187

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

General Project Description: The recent death of > 6.5 million people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shows that treating excessive inflammation is still a major problem. Pharmaceuticals targeting cytokine/chemokine storms in lungs are, therefore, an urgent unmet medical need. Chemokines and their receptors drive migration and activation of leukocytes and inflammation. Although the ligands and receptors were identified in the last 3 decades, increasing fundamental, preclinical and sporadic clinical evidence indicates that posttranslational regulation of chemokine ligands and receptors may impact the inflammatory reaction significantly. Our incomplete understanding of complex immune reactions prohibit efficient drug development and patient treatment. In the B-ACTIVE network, fundamental and clinical scientists and companies will study the impact of posttranslational modifications of chemokine ligands and receptors and train 10 doctoral candidates (DCs) to future experts in this domain with a translational and interdisciplinary mindset. The DCs will characterize interactions between chemokine ligands, receptors and glycosaminoglycans, study signaling pathways and recognize their importance in inflammatory reactions. DCs will be trained in the complexity of inflammatory responses from basic science to clinical applications and industrial development. B-ACTIVE will improve our understanding of inflammatory reactions, aid in identifying the right drug targets and participate in pharmaceutical development, for better patient treatment.

We are seeking a highly motivated and intellectually curious PhD candidate to contribute to this project at the University of Graz under the supervision of Prof. A. Kungl and Dr. T. Gerlza. Applicants should have a Master Degree with a strong background in Molecular/Cell Biology, Bioengineering, Biochemistry and/or Biotechnology as well as a genuine interest in protein chemistry to investigate the role of post-translational modifications of chemokines and their respective (co-)receptors on immune cells. We provide close supervision in a great team of scientists, comprehensive training on scientific and technical aspects and foster a collaborative, diverse and inclusive work environment. While the University of Graz, Austria is a highly esteemed university, we also offer international access to industrial and scientific partners across Europe as part of the MSCA/Doctoral Network 'B-ACTIVE'. Regular meetings, workshops and international secondments within the B-ACTIVE network will supplement the training and support provided at the host laboratory.

Informal enquiries are welcome via [email protected] . Applications should include a CV including info on study results, previous laboratory experience, knowledge of languages and (bio-)informatics, a brief statement of research interests, a cover letter with the expected date of availability, and two letters of recommendation with contact information of the referee.

Requirements

Research Field

Other

Education Level

Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

Research Field: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Bioengineering, Biomedical sciences, Pharmacy

Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

We look for an individual with an excellent academic record, a high intrinsic motivation and intellectual curiosity to pursue interdisciplinary research in immunology. We accept applications from diverse educational backgrounds. Due to the collaborative nature of the project, the ability to work in a team as well as work independently are equally important. We require candidates to have a strong background in molecular & cellular biology as well as in protein chemistry. Successful candidates will during their PhD research relate proteoglycans and their chemokine counterparts in certain disease settings, prepare human GAGs from inflamed and healthy tissue, and analyse the involvement of PTMs in the context of the chemokine/GAG/receptor axis.

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Other

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information
Benefits

You will receive a 3-year full-time employment contract, enrolled as PhD student in the doctoral program of the Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Uni Graz. The 3-year salary is in accordance with the MSCA regulations for Doctoral Researchers and the exact (net) salary will be confirmed upon appointment. The gross salary of the doctoral scholarship will be approximately EUR 3.280 per month if you are single with no dependent family members. It will be higher if you have a registered partner without income and/or dependent child(ren); it will be lower if you have a registered partner with income.

We offer modern, state-of-the-art laboratories, facilities, and equipment, as well as participation in training activities at the Laboratory of Biopharmaceuticals and Proteomics at the University of Graz (https://pharmazie.uni-graz.at/de/forschen/pharmazeutische-chemie/biopha… , the local Doctoral school of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and within the international and intersectorial B-ACTIVE network (https://b-active-dn.eu ).

You will travel within the B-ACTIVE network for training during at least 2 planned secondments, annual meetings, workshops and national/international conferences.

Work-life balance in the vibrant, international university city of Graz offering options for outdoor, sport & cultural activities.

Eligibility criteria

We welcome applications from Doctoral Researcher candidates fulfilling the following criteria:

1. Researchers must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not having already received a PhD or equivalent degree by any institution; researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.

2. Applicants can be of any nationality but must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Austria for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service, and/or short stays such as holidays are not considered.

3. Applicants must be eligible to work as PhD student in Austria according to national and European regulations (e.g. visa requirements), and also to travel/work in other European countries for collaborations/secondments and trainings;

4. Applicants must meet the entry requirements for PhD enrolment at the University of Graz. They must hold a Master Degree in life or biomedical sciences (or closely related fields).

5. Applicants should be proficient in written and spoken English (a minimum of C1 level or equivalent is desirable) and agreeing to use such language both for work and for any other official matter, including the selection process.

6. Applicants must be available to enroll full-time  by Oct. 2024.

7. Applicants are aware of and adhere to the principles set out in the Commission Recommendation on the European Charter for Researchers (https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/european-charter ).

8. Applicants agree to undertake the PhD training program associated to this position, in case they are selected;

9. Applicants agree to move to Graz (Austria) for the entire duration of the contract, in case they are selected.

10. Applicants agree to travel for several secondments (2 weeks - 3 months each) planned at project partners ( e.g. KU Leuven, Belgium).

 

Selection process

Official applications must be addressed to [email protected]

Applications must be in English. The application consists of (PDF):
- CV (including transcripts of marks obtained during master education, ranking between student group and publications if any);
- 1-page motivation letter;
- Recommendation letters (min 2 ; max 3)

Be aware that official transcripts of any degree achieved, preferably including average or final marks and explanation of the related assessment scale or criterion (mandatory for the main graduate degree, optional for the others) will be required for the enrolment in the University/PhD program; All documents must be in English. Any translations must be certified.

Additional comments

Official applications must be addressed to [email protected]

Applications must be in English. The application consists of (PDF):
- CV (including transcripts of marks obtained during master education, ranking between student group and publications if any);
- 1-page motivation letter;
- Recommendation letters (min 2 ; max 3)

Be aware that official transcripts of any degree achieved, preferably including average or final marks and explanation of the related assessment scale or criterion (mandatory for the main graduate degree, optional for the others) will be required for the enrolment in the University/PhD program; All documents must be in English. Any translations must be certified.

Recruitment Process

1. Evaluation of the applications based on eligibility criteria

2. Assessment on paper of qualifications and activities for pre-selection of candidates by the B-ACTIVE Selection committee

3. Online-interview for pre-selected candidates

The selection of the Doctoral Researcher candidates will be carried out in compliance with the general rules for MSCA-DN projects and will be based just on individual merit.

The selection process will be entirely carried out in English.
In your interest we might share your application with another partner of the B-ACTIVE Consortium.

A Selection Committee was appointed by the B-ACTIVE Consortium for the evaluation of the application of the candidates.

Applications which do not meet the minimal prerequisites listed in the Specific Requirements section, or which are not submitted according to the procedure specified in the Offer Description section, or which are received after the submission deadline has expired, will be rejected.

The Selection Committee will send proper acknowledgement for each incoming submission.
Whenever necessary, it will be also entitled to ask the candidates to provide any further document, information or clarification deemed useful to properly complete the assessment process.

Personal data will be stored for the purpose of carrying out the application procedure only.

Questions and Answers:

For informal enquiries about the project (not the recruitment process), please write an email to [email protected]

 

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Karl-Franzens-University of Graz (Austria)

Country

Austria

Geofield

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Karl-Franzens-University of Graz (Austria)

Country

Austria

Geofield

Where to apply

E-mail

[email protected]

Contact

State/Province

Styria

City

8010 Graz

Website

https://www.kuleuven.be/kuleuven/
https://pharmazie.uni-graz.at/de/forschen/pharmazeutische-chemie/biopharmazeutika-biologics/

Street

Halbärthgasse 8

Postal Code

8010

E-Mail

[email protected]

STATUS: EXPIRED