PhD position in evolution and structural bioinformatics of human gut proteins

6 Jan 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Basel

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry
Biological sciences » Other

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Switzerland

Application Deadline

3 Feb 2024 - 22:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

38

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

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

No

Offer Description

How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate this question accros scale ranging from the atoms to multicellular organisms. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world's leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our vibrant research community!

In Prof. Torsten Schwede's group, we use computational methods to model protein structures, analyse protein-ligand interactions, explore the effects of mutations on protein structure and function, and classify protein families on a large-scale. We also explore artificial intelligence to characterise the dark proteome and pioneer automated methods for uncovering unknown protein functions.

Within the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, we develop SWISS-MODEL (https://swissmodel.expasy.org ), a widely used web-based platform for generating high-accuracy 3D models of protein structures and complexes for application in life sciences. We also develop the Protein Universe Atlas, a web resource designed to streamline the navigation through the extensive wealth of publicly available protein sequence and structure information.

Microbiotic proteins that are unique to the human gut can impact human health. The successful PhD candidate will develop a gut microbiome atlas to discover novel proteins and predict their macromolecular function and interactions using cutting-edge computational techniques. The research will involve an in-depth study of the evolutionary origin and biochemical pathways that underpin the unique role of these proteins in the human gut, using protein evolution and structural bioinformatics approaches. The generated hypotheses will guide subsequent experimental validation.

The research is integral to the newly established Protein Universe Atlas project, involving active collaboration with computational and experimental groups, primarily with Dr. Tomasz Kosciółek at Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine in Kraków, Poland.

• Master in molecular biology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, genetics or a related discipline.
• Strong interest or experience in microbiology, protein evolution, structural biology, and modern data analytics techniques.
• You can strengthen our team in at least one of the following areas: protein bioinformatics, metagenomics, data science.
• Good communication skills in English.
• Self-motivation, drive and ability to explore new research directions.

The successful applicant will conduct cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art infrastructure in the Biozentrum, which offers a highly diverse, interdisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating research environment. Salary and benefits are according to University of Basel standards.

Basel is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city at the heart of Europe. Bordering three countries, Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel provides a high standard of living with a thriving cultural atmosphere. The Basel area is Europe's most important Life Science hub with many small and medium-size biotech companies as well as global pharmaceutical players.

Application / Contact

Please apply online https://biped2.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/phd-student-position-schwede-lab and provide a motivation statement that describes how your background and scientific interests match the criteria for this position, CV, and contact information for two references.

Review of applications will begin immediately and proceed until the position has been filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.

For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Joana Pereira, e-mail: [email protected]

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Research Field

Biological sciences

Years of Research Experience

1 - 4

Additional Information

Website for additional job details

https://academicpositions.com

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Basel

Country

Switzerland

City

Basel

Postal Code

CH-4003

Street

Petersplatz 1

Where to apply

Website

https://academicpositions.com/ad/university-of-basel/2024/phd-position-in-evolu…

Contact

City

Basel

Website

https://www.unibas.ch/en.html

Postal Code

CH-4003

STATUS: EXPIRED