PhD fellowship in Protein Stability

PhD fellowship in Protein Stability

PhD Project in Protein Stability in Hereditary Disease

Department of Biology

Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

The Section for Biomolecular Sciences, Department of Biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in protein stability and degradation in hereditary disease.

Start date is expected to be December 1st 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

A number of studies have shown that many disease-linked gene variants operate by destabilizing the structure of the encoded protein. In turn, this causes the protein to engage with molecular chaperones or in more severe cases to the degradation of the protein via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. However, many details of this so called protein quality control (PQC) system remain unresolved. To approach this, the Ph.D. student will apply a number of advanced screening methods in yeast and mammalian cells to study the PQC of model disease-linked proteins and protein variants. The project will involve various molecular biology techniques including deep mutational scanning, genetic screens, next-generation sequencing, fluorescence microscopy, cell sorting and analyses of protein-protein interactions.

Who are we looking for?

Applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree in molecular biomedicine, biochemistry or a closely related field. The candidate must have a strong background in protein science, molecular biology, and genetics. In addition, it is preferable that the candidate has experience with genetic screening methods applied to yeast and/or mammalian cells in tissue culture. Candidates must have good interpersonal and communication skills. Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The Ph.D. student will work in the research group of Prof. Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen. The research group uses protein chemistry, molecular biology, genetics and cell biology in tissue culture cells and yeast to probe the PQC system, in particular in relation to genetic disease. The group is located within the Section for Biomolecular Sciences at the Department of Biology, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The Section provides a strong, international environment for research broadly in the field of protein science. The Section currently employs about 25 PhD students and 10 Post Docs as well as a larger number of undergraduate students and guests. The research in the section is highly interdisciplinary ranging from molecular cell biology to protein chemistry, advanced biophysics and computational biology. The group is housed in the Biocenter in central Copenhagen, Denmark (ww.bio.ku.dk ). Our research facilities include modern laboratories and access to a range of core facilitites.

Principal supervisor is Prof. Rasmus Hartmann-Petersen, Department of Biology, Direct Phone: +45 26941565, E-mail: [email protected].

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. Molecular Biomedicine, Biochemistry or a closely related deciplin. 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 in both PhD programmes

• 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
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in genetics and 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:

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is the 15 September 2022, 23:59 GMT +2.

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/ .

Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 42 and 43.

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.