PhD Studentships in the Center for Healthy Aging (CEHA)
PhD Studentships in the Center for Healthy Aging (CEHA)
The University of Copenhagen, Center for Healthy Aging (CEHA), Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine (ICMM), invites applications for a three-year PhD fellowship from candidates who hold a relevant Master degree or its equivalent. Previous molecular or cell biological experience is welcome. The successful candidate will work on her/his own project in collaboration with other members of the team.
Brief project description
Human RECQL4 DNA helicase deficient in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) and RAPADILINO (RAPA) accelerated aging diseases, mostly resides in the nucleus, but a fraction of the enzyme is also present in the cytoplasm and in mitochondria. In the nucleus, RECQL4 plays a role in telomeric DNA maintenance, DNA replication initiation and DNA repair. In mitochondria, its function may involve mitochondrial DNA repair, replication and transcription. RTS and RAPA patients are also at high risk for developing osteosarcomas and lymphomas.
The focus of this project will be on the identification of the mechanisms that determine the nuclear and mitochondrial distribution of RECQL4 and how this changes in cancer cells and with aging. Moreover, the role of abnormal localization as well as loss of function of RECQL4 on normal cell function and mitochondrial function will be investigated.
Studies involve biochemical and cellular assays and analysis of bioenergetics in cancer. The work will be supervised by Professor Vilhelm A. Bohr (BohrV@grc.nia.nih.gov), and Professor Lene Juel Rasmussen (lenera@sund.ku.dk).
Applications should be accompanied by a 1-page cover letter describing your motivation for applying for the position, together with a full CV, a list of publications and the names of at least two referees. Excellent English speaking, reading and writing skills are required.
The Department
The Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine focuses on basic cellular and molecular biological processes, their regulation and their significance for cell function, interaction and organization in tissues. The Department offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate teaching programs spanning cell biology, genetics and basic human biology, including chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, as well as anatomy. You can read more at www.icmm.ku.dk.
Terms of employment:
The successful PhD candidate will be offered a full-time position for a period of three years, contingent on a satisfactory performance, with the specific intent that it results in a PhD degree and scientific publications.
It is a prerequisite for the appointment as a PhD fellow that the person concerned can be registered as a PhD fellow according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 18 of 14. January 2008. Information about the PhD programs at the Faculty of Health Science can be found at healthscience.ku.dk/phd/.
Salary and other terms and conditions of appointment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant professional organization.
How to apply:
Applications must be written in English and include (i) a motivation for the application (up to 1 A4 page), (ii) curriculum vitae, (iii) list of publications, (iv) a copy of MSc diploma and grade transcripts, (v) a short review of scientific research conducted previously for an MSc thesis or equivalent, and (vi) the names, e-mails, telephone numbers and addresses of 2-3 referees.
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Appointments Committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an expert assessment committee. Selected applicants are notified of the composition of the committee and each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk
The University of Copenhagen wishes to encourage everyone interested in this post to apply, regardless of personal background.
