BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
The Rogers Lab and Autzen Group are inviting applications for a three-year PhD fellowship in membrane protein biochemistry and peptide drug discovery at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark. The fellowship is set to commence 1st of October. The fellowship is part of the Project “Changing the channel: Structure-function coupled ligand discovery for acid sensors” supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
We offer you
- An exciting and stimulating research project set in a creative, scientifically strong, and international academic research environment.
- An open and inclusive work and research environment with dedicated colleagues.
- Room for personal and professional development.
The PhD fellow will join the Rogers Lab located at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology and the Autzen Group located at the Department of Biomedical Sciences.
The Rogers Lab is focused on the discovery of new research ligands and drug-leads for disease linked protein targets. To do this, we manipulate ribosomes to accept unnatural amino acids: amino acid chemical structures not present in the universal genetic code. Reprogramming the ribosome allows for synthesis of peptides with a stable ‘drug-like’ cyclic structure. We then screen trillions of these cyclic peptides (more molecules than there are stars in the galaxy) to isolate molecules with novel drug-like properties. Our researchers use a wide-range of biomolecular experimental techniques, from DNA and RNA molecular biology to solid-phase peptide synthesis. These are combined with specialty techniques using ribozymes, chemically synthesized unnatural amino acids and ultra-high throughput peptide screening. Read more about our lab here:
https://www.rogers.science/
The Autzen Group is focused on characterizing the activation and modulation of eukaryotic membrane proteins involved in a range of cellular pathways to elucidate their basic function and therapeutic potential. For this, we use single particle cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for high-resolution structural determination in combination with biochemical, biophysical, pharmacological, and cellular assays for functional characterization. The Autzen Group consists of six full-time members and is part of the theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology at the Department of Biomedical Sciences. Read more about our group here:
https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molecular-and-translational-pharmacology/autzen-group/
Both our groups are built on community, trust, openness, honesty, and solidarity and strive to embody the scientific method, objectivity, and reproducibility. We value open science, knowledge and data sharing and science communication to a wider audience, ultimately bridging the gap between society and research.
Project description
Acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) are membrane proteins expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and are crucial for synaptic activity and plasticity. Excessive stimulation of ASICs can have detrimental effects for the human body. For instance, dysfunction of the ASIC1a isoform is linked to cell death during stroke and aberrant activity of the ASIC3 isoform can cause pain.
Using a highly integrated structural, functional, and pharmacological approach, this project aims at developing pharmacological agents with sufficient affinity and specificity to target individual ASICs, to generate the first set of potent and selective ASIC-targeting cyclic peptides. For this, the PhD candidate will develop and apply a range of specialized biochemical and pharmacological tools, to gain unprecedented molecular insight into ASIC biology and pharmacology.
Principal supervisors are Associate Professor Joseph Rogers, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, joseph.rogers@sund.ku.dk and Associate Professor Henriette Elisabeth Autzen, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Theme of Molecular and Translational Pharmacology, henriette.autzen@sund.ku.dk
Start: October 1st 2023
Duration: 3 years as a PhD student
Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences are to:
- Actively manage and carry out an independent research project under supervision.
- Attend, and complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
- Actively participate in research environments including at an external research institution, preferably abroad.
- Disseminate your research through scientific manuscripts aimed at high-impact journals and presentations at national or international meetings.
- Teach undergraduate or graduate students in the Autzen Group and Rogers Lab, and in courses offered by the Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
- Conclude your PhD studies by writing and defending your PhD thesis.
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants are:
- Qualifications corresponding to a Danish MSc degree with good results.
- Completed courses or research experience in protein structure and function, biochemistry, molecular biology, physical chemistry, pharmacology, and/or biophysics.
- A proven track record of previous research experience such as publications.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp and employ new methods and tools.
- Proficiency in spoken and written English.
- High level of motivation, responsibility, and ability to work in a structured manner.
- An ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- A curious mind-set with a strong interest in understanding the molecular mechanisms of proteins.
We are looking for a candidate with hands-on experience in several of the following topics:
- Protein expression and purification for in vitro characterization.
- Mammalian cell culture techniques.
- Biochemical assays and analysis of associated data.
- Pharmacological assays (ex vivo, in vivo, or in vitro) and analysis of associated data.
- Molecular biology methods (recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, PCR, qPCR, electrophoresis etc.).
- Linux operating systems and basic programming (MatLab and/or Python).
- Data management and reporting.
The place of employment is at the Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology and the Department of Biomedical Sciences, both at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
The Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology: The department delivers drug-related research and research-based teaching within a wide range of drug-related disciplines, spanning the molecular, cellular, and pharmacological levels. Information about the Department can be found here: https://drug.ku.dk/
The Department of Biomedical Sciences, theme in Molecular and Translational Pharmacology: Home to six labs specializing in G protein-coupled receptors, our theme hosts an international and interdisciplinary workplace, offering a vibrant, creative, and innovative research environment. Read more about our theme and individual groups here: https://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/molecular-and-translational-pharmacology/
Read more about the Department of Biomolecular Sciences here: https://bmi.ku.dk/english/
Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.
The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 3 years. The start date is 1st of October 2023.
The employment is conditioned upon the applicant’s successful enrolment as a PhD student at the Graduate School at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant during an initial one-month employment as a research assistant.
The PhD study must be completed in accordance with The Ministerial Order on the PhD programme (2013) and the Faculty’s rules on achieving the degree.
Salary, pension, and terms of employment are in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. Depending on seniority, the monthly salary starts at approximately 28,896 DKK /approx. 3,877 EUR (April 2023-level) plus pension.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD studies at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is available at the Graduate School’s website: https://healthsciences.ku.dk/phd/guidelines/
Application and assessment procedure
Your application must be written in English and submitted electronically by clicking the ‘APPLY NOW’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position (max. two pages)
- Certified copy of original Master of Science diploma and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in other language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted. As a prerequisite for a PhD fellowship employment, your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree. We encourage you to read more in the assessment database: https://ufm.dk/en/education/recognition-and-transparency/find-assessments/assessment-database . Please note that we might ask you to obtain an assessment of your education performed by the Ministry of Higher Education and Science
- Publication list (if possible)
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 the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.
The assessor makes a non-prioritized assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.
Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant can comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant.
You can find information about the recruitment process at: http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/
The applicants will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.
There will be two rounds on interviews. The first round of interviews is online and expected to be held in week 29. The second round of interviews is in-person and are expected to commence in week 32 and 33.
The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Tårnby Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
KU - SUND - PANUM KBH N, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 København N
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 09-07-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1307&ProjectId=159451&DepartmentId=18996&MediaId=4632&SkipAdvertisement=true
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5849389
