PhD position – Structure-function analysis of human aquaporins essential for health and disease

A 3-year PhD position is available at the Cellular and Metabolic Research Section at the Department of Biomedical Sciences. The starting day of employment will be according to agreement, but not later than the 1st of July 2016.

BMI

The Department of Biomedical Sciences (BMI) conducts research that seeks to ensure the continued exploration and understanding of organ systems, pathology, pathophysiology and pharmacology. The Department is an important factor in basic research from a clinical perspective aimed at improving diagnostics and patient therapies. Department research is therefore often carried out in cooperation with clinical researchers and departments.

The Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group works on structural and functional characterizing of membrane proteins that are essential for human health and highly attractive targets in the treatment of disease. The overarching aim is to reveal the molecular principles and determinants of transport processes across cellular membranes. To this end, we use a number of latest techniques within membrane protein structural biology to study structure-function relationships.

Job/Study Description

The main aim of this cutting-edge PhD project is to study cellular processes associated with human aquaporins that play important physiological roles in body weight and energy homeostasis. Research will aim for a detailed understanding of their structures, functions and regulation, employing an interdisciplinary approach centered on X-ray crystallography and using the most recent techniques for membrane protein overproduction to structure determination. Generated hypotheses will be validated through functional characterization in vivo, in vitro and in silico. Providing this desired information will represent a major contribution to basic bioscience with implications beyond physiology and biomedicine: the ultimate objective is to stimulate efforts to identify and develop modulators of therapeutic value to combat aquaporin related disorders. The successful applicant will work in the Membrane Protein Structural Biology Group at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, but will be expected to visit European synchrotron radiation facilities occasionally. We are seeking for a highly motivated individual interested in challenging projects.

Supervision

The research will be performed under the supervision of Associate Professor Pontus Gourdon.

Required qualifications:

• A master degree in biochemistry (or related discipline) or exam at similar level obtained before the start of the employment
• Fluency in English and excellent communication skills including scientific presentations
  
   

Desired qualifications (four of these are required):

• Experience in cloning (primer design, sequencing etc)
• Experience in protein overproduction (particularly from yeasts)
• Experience in protein purification (preferably membrane proteins and exploiting fluorescent tags) using FPLC (such as ÄKTA)
• Experience in protein characterization in vitro and/or in cells
• Experience in crystallization, X-ray crystallography and/or structural analysis
  
   

Additional qualifications:

• Experience in teaching is an additional merit.

Application Procedure:

Apply by clicking "Apply online" below. Please note that only online applications will be accepted.

Applications - in English - must include:

•  Cover Letter detailing your motivation and background for applying for the specific PhD project. Please also mark the application with the serial no. xx-xx.
•  CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records (including grades)
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications and manuscripts (if any), peer reviewed and others
• Possible references and recommendations

The closing date for applications is 23.59 pm, 10th January 2016. Applications received later than this date will not be considered.

By the end of January 2016, all applicants will have received information regarding the evaluation of their application.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008.

Terms of employment:

The position is offered for a period of three years and employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

Questions:

Applicants are encouraged to read more about the research group at http://bmi.ku.dk/english/research/Cell/membrane_protein_structural_biol…. For specific information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Pontus Gourdon, pontus@sund.ku.dk. Any questions regarding the application process or administrative queries of any kind should be directed to Academic Officer Ragnhild Helene Mostert, e-mail rmostert@sund.ku.dk.

 For more information on working and living in Denmark: http://ism.ku.dk/, and www.workingconditions.ku.dk

 The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences comprises approximately 7500 students, 1500 PhD students and 3200 employees. The Faculty advances the field of health sciences through its core activities: research, teaching, knowledge sharing and communication. With basic research fields ranging from molecular studies to studies of society, the Faculty contributes to a healthy future through its graduates, research findings and inventions benefitting patients and the community. The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.