PhD position in Protein Intermolecular Interactions within the EU ITN project PIPPI (ESR3)
A 3-year PhD scholarship in structural biology is available at Novozymes A/S and Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark. The position will be available from 1st of June 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter. The PhD student will be part of the EU-funded project “Protein-excipient Interactions and Protein-Protein Interactions in formulations” (PIPPI). Apart from the research work itself, the students’ participation in the project will involve tight collaboration with project partners and frequent visits to the involved labs, active participation at the bi-annual network events, as well as training in complementary skills such as project management.
About PIPPI
PIPPI is an Innovative Training Network (ITN) concerning the challenges in formulation of protein-based drugs. PIPPI will combine systematic investigations of the physicochemical behavior of a number of proteins with an in-depth understanding of the molecular interactions behind the macroscopic behavior. The overall objective is to develop methodologies, tools and databases to guide the formulation of robust biopharmaceuticals in the future.
The Technical University of Denmark (DK) coordinates this exciting collaborative project. The academic partners include University of Manchester (UK), Ludwig-Maximilian University, Munich (DE), Lund University (SE), University of Copenhagen (DK), MAXIV Laboratory (SE).
The industry partners involved in the project include: Novozymes A/S (DK), MedImmune Ltd. (UK), Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH (DE), NanoTemper Technologies GmbH (DE).
Each of the project partners contributes world-class competence in particular areas. The core research contribution of DTU Chemistry is in the area of Structural and Computational Biology and comprises X-ray scattering and computer modeling techniques to study structure-function relationship of proteins and protein-protein complexes. The core research contribution from Novozymes is in the area of protein stability and aggregation, protein formulation and protein purification.
This PhD project (ESR3) will work on the molecular basis for protein-protein interactions from measurements of static structure factors for proteins that are available at high protein concentrations. The molecular basis for protein-protein interactions is poorly understood due to their transient nature and inability of interaction models to capture experimental behaviour. The intermolecular solution structure of proteins is the controlling factor in determining the formulation attributes. Protein-protein interactions will studied under multiple conditions using static and dynamic light scattering techniques. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering studies will be performed to determine the structure factor and thereby the nature of the inter-molecular interactions. The experiments will be supplemented by in-silico modelling to elucidate the nature of protein-protein interactions in concentrated solution structure.
Secondment
The successful candidate will visit both academic and industrial partners during the project. This will ensure the buildup of a portfolio of interdisciplinary techniques relevant for the applicant’s project and PIPPI objectives.
Qualifications
Applicants should hold a Master of Science degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering or an equivalent background that provides a strong set of analytical skills. The applicant should have a strong interest in working in a cross-disciplinary environment and should have very good collaboration skills. Strong communication skills and a strong academic record is an advantage. Fluent communication skills in written and spoken English are essential. The applicant should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious and hard working. Only applicants with great talent, which seeks to be among the brightest in their field, will be considered.
Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The assessment will be made by Research Scientist Jens Bukrinski, Novozymes A/S, and the supervisory board of the consortium.
We offer
We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world. . Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, we improve industrial performance while preserving the planet’s resources and helping to build better lives.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary is according to standardised EU rules for ITN grants and the appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years.
Eligibility for Hiring
In addition to meeting the formal Ph.D. study enrolment criteria at DTU candidates must also fulfil the “mobility requirement” imposed by the EU for ITN networks. Which means that they must not have worked or resided in the Denmark for more than 12 months during the three years prior to them joining the project. The candidates should have less than 4 years’ experience measured from the master’s degree.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Jens Bukrinski, jtbu@novozymes.com or Pernille Harris, ph@kemi.dtu.dk
Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below.
Application
Please submit your online application no later than 15 February 2016.
Applications must be submitted as one pdf file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online," fill in the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one pdf file. The file must include:
•A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
•Curriculum vitae
•Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (an official translation into English)
•Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and excel spreadsheet here)
•a personal statement (up to 2 pages) about the applicant’s experience, interests and career goals,
•The candidate should sketch a plan to illustrate how his/her experience will be applicable in the project. This should show the ability to structure the later studies.
Candidates may apply prior to obtaining their master's degree, but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
DTU is a technical university providing internationally leading research, education, innovation and public service. Our staff of 5,800 advance science and technology to create innovative solutions that meet the demands of society; and our 10,300 students are being educated to address the technological challenges of the future. DTU is an independent academic university collaborating globally with business, industry, government, and public agencies.
Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Our business is industrial enzymes, microorganisms, and biopharmaceutical ingredients. Novozymes is the world leader in bioinnovation. Together with customers across a broad array of industries, we create tomorrow’s biosolutions, improving our customers’ business and the use of our planet’s resources. With over 700 products used in 130 countries, Novozymes’ bioinnovations improve industrial performance and safeguard the world’s resources by offering superior and sustainable solutions for tomorrow’s ever-changing marketplace.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 675074.
