PhD fellowship in single cell Biophysics and single molecule microscopy

 PhD fellowship in single cell Biophysics and single molecule microscopy

PhD Project in single cell Biophysics and single molecule microscopy

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen

Department of Chemistry, section for chemical biology invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in single cell Biophysics and single molecule microscopy.

Start date is expected to be 15 November 2022 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The PhD student will be tasked with the development, optimization and use of advanced methodologies for studying cell entry mechanism and delivery of biological. The project will involve live cell imaging (TIRf, confocal microscopy), single particle studies and quantitative image analysis and aims to decipher the interaction of biologicals with cells and their permeation through the junctions.

The student is expected to spend at least 6 months in China.

The project lies in the interface of pharmaceutical sciences, cell biology, biophysics and nanoscience and requires extensive cell studies, advanced single particle and single cell imaging as well as statistical analysis. The student will aim to quantify diffusion of small molecule pharmaceutics and peptides within cell culture models.

During the project, the student is expected to both perform cell studies and advanced single cell measurements, and treat the high-quality, high-volume data and as such will be tasked with developing, assessing and optimizing scripts passed on e.g. python for treatment of large datasets.

The results will be crucial for attaining a fundamental understanding of delivery of biologicals in cells, and will be important for applications with industrial partners like Biotech and pharmaceutical companies as well as medical doctors.

Who are we looking for?

• We are looking for candidates with extensive expertise in fluorescent microscopy (TIRF and confocal), single particle techniques
• Documented experience in cell studies and live cell imaging
• Documented experience with writing and understanding scientific software including Matlab and Python for quantitative image analysis, and treating large datasets and experience with code sharing using git/github
• Comprehensive knowledge about proteins, protein-protein interactions protein-cell interactions and especially with single-particle imaging
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills
• Documented expertise of working in an international multicultural environment and/or industrial experience preferably in a related field

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The position is in the group of Asoc. Prof Nikos S Hatzakis. The group focuses on structure-function correlations of enzymes by single molecule studies and the role of protein dynamics on biomolecule recognition and cellular response regulation.

The group is a part of Department of chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and all related infrastructure for singel cell biophysics and quantitative image analysis.

Principal supervisor is Nikos Hatzakis, Department of Chemistry [email protected] .

The PhD programme

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. Nanoscience, biochemistry, Biophysics, physics or similar. 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.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in both PhD programmes

• Complete and pass the MSc education in accordance with the curriculum of the MSc programme

 (ONLY when you are attending the integrated MSc and PhD programme)

• 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 biophysics, single cell studies quantitative image analysis
• Good language skills

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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 18 August 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 40.

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.