BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
We are offering a PhD fellowship in Structural Biology and Pharmacology commencing 1 October 2023 or as soon as possible hereafter.
Our group and research
The main interest in the LølandLab is to elucidate the structure-function relationships in membrane transporters with focus on the Neurotransmitter:Sodium Symporter (NSS) class of proteins. To better understand how these proteins can select and transport the molecule of interest (here dopamine), we elucidate, at atomic level resolution, the molecular mechanisms that confer substrate specificity and/or govern the translocation process. We map binding sites and binding modes for substrates (e.g. dopamine, serotonin, amphetamine) and inhibitory drugs (e.g. cocaine, antidepressants). Our endowments have led to the discovery of novel allosteric lead compounds against depression as well as drugs that could be used in the treatment of cocaine addiction.
The methods we use to address these issues include advanced biophysics (single molecule Cryo-EM, fluorescence, unnatural amino acids) on purified proteins and all aspects of biochemistry and molecular pharmacology on cell systems.
The selected candidate will join a vibrant and ambitious group of currently 12 persons, mixed between Master thesis students (3), PhD students (5), post docs (2) and technical staff. We are located in the newly built Maersk Tower at the Panum Institute with state-of-the-art research facilities.
Project description
The human dopamine transporter (hDAT) is one of the main determinants of dopamine signal intensity. Malfunctions are linked to Parkinson’s disease, ADD as well as it is the primary target for the stimulant and rewarding effects of cocaine and amphetamines. Despite this, little is known about its structure and molecular function, mainly due to the lack of direct structural information.
We are able to express and purify the human dopamine transporter (hDAT), which is the main challenge for structural studies. The primary goal of this project is to elucidate the hDAT structure at atomic resolution using single particle cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The ultimate aim is to solve the structure in multiple conformational states and complex with various ligands to obtain a complete picture of the translocation cycle. The structural data will be supported with pharmacological studies and MD simulations.
Principal supervisor is Professor Claus J. Loland, Department of Neuroscience, E-mail: cllo@sund.ku.dk, Direct Phone: +45 28756407.
Start date: 1 October 2023
Duration: 3 years as a PhD student
Job description
Your key tasks as a PhD student at SUND are:
- Carrying through an independent research project under supervision.
- Completing PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approximately 30 ECTS points.
- Participating in active research environments including a stay at another research team.Obtaining experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
- Teaching and disseminating your knowledge.
- Writing a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project
Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project, e.g. biochemistry, computational biology, biology, biotechnology, molecular biology or similar. Please note that your master’s degree must be equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (two years).
Other criteria, which will be considered assets but not required, are:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project, such as knowledge within
- Structural biology
- Membrane proteins
- Protein purification
- Computational skills, eg. MatLab, PyMol, MD simulations, cryosparc etc.
- Previous publications
- Relevant work experience
- The grade point average achieved
- Other professional activities
- A curious and open mind-set with a strong interest in neuroscience, addiction and structural biology
- Team spirit
- A good sense of humour
- English language skills
Place of employment
The place of employment is at the [Department of Neuroscience], Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and a close, both social and scientific, interaction with neighboring research groups.
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 1 October 2023 or after agreement.
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.
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 begins at DKK 28,993 / approx. EUR 3,865 (October 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 procedure
Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:
1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. 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
4. Publication list (if possible)
Application deadline: 4 September 2023, 23.59pm CET
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 has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.
You 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.
Interviews are expected to be held in week 38 (Sep 18-22).
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: 04-09-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://candidate.hr-manager.net/ApplicationInit.aspx?cid=1307&ProjectId=159921&DepartmentId=19006&MediaId=4632&SkipAdvertisement=true
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5888752