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Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory (SBiNLab), Department of Biology, UCPH, Denmark

The Kragelund-group at the Structural Biology and NMR laboratory (SBiNLab), Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Denmark, is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join projects on intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs and IDRs). The PhD position is fully funded and for 3 years, starting no later than May 1st, 2024, or soon thereafter. Information on the Kragelund-group can be found at: https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/bms/sbinlab/bbk/

Our research
The Kragelund-group focuses on the interaction of IDPs and IDRs with other biomolecules and on how disorder help expand molecular communication. We aim to provide a detailed understanding of how structural disorder leads to regulatory diversity and how this diversity relates to biological function. To achieve these goals, we host the Novo Nordisk Foundation Challenge Center REPIN – rethinking protein interactions, joining 5 different research groups in Europe. Additionally, we have state-of-the-art facilities for recombinant protein production and analytical tools such as CD, ITC, MST, nano-DSF, Q-TOF MS for biophysical and biochemical characterization. Our main technique is biomolecular NMR spectroscopy, and we have regular access to synchrotron SAXS.

Project description: We are looking for a driven and ambitious person, with an ability to work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of protein science with a focus on IDPs and IDRs.

The project will address fundamental questions regarding the role of context in protein-protein interactions involving IDRs in transcription factors. The goal is to define principles governing these interactions with a special focus how post-translational modifications impact these. The work includes heterologous expression and purification of proteins and characterization of their interactions using a range of biophysical methods and analyses, including biomolecular NMR spectroscopy as a main method.

Profile

Qualifications: The person we are looking for should have a masters’ degree or equivalent in biochemistry, chemistry, structural biology or similar, providing basic theoretical and practical knowledge in protein science. Experience in working with recombinantly produced proteins and practical experience in recording and analyzing protein NMR spectra should be demonstrated through a MSc project.

The applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take initiative driving the project, but also to collaborate with the other members in REPIN. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility and collaborative skills.

Additional merits or desired skills: The ideal candidate would be able to express and purify proteins in E. coli using a variety of chromatographic methods and perform basic characterization of the proteins. Furthermore, experience with biomolecular NMR and protein interaction techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry or small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) are meritorious.

The selection is based on the following criteria: Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to the project described above. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the department and the research program.

Place of employment
The employment is at Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, located in the Biocenter in the Northern Campus, close to the centre of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. SBiNLab joins three research groups located in the Copenhagen Biocenter at UCPH all interested in proteins and IDPs combining biophysics, NMR spectroscopy and computation.

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications
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. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment
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.

Questions
For further information please contact Birthe B. Kragelund ([email protected])

Foreign applicants may also find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application and Assessment procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)

3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

4. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another 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.

5. Publication list (if possible)

6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 22 January 2024, 23:59 GMT +1.

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 http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.

University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender, nationality, race, religion or sexual orientation. Appointment will be based on merit alone.

Kilde: Jobnet.dk