PhD position in Computational Biology within the EU ITN project PIPPI (ESR2)
3-year PhD scholarship in Computational Biology: Molecular Modelling and Bioinformatics is available at 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 current PhD project focuses on the determination of protein-excipients interaction sites (‘hot spots’) at different physicochemical conditions such as pH and ionic strength using computer simulation techniques. Currently, a detailed molecular understanding of the effect of different physicochemical formulation conditions and the addition of excipients on the stability of proteins and protein complexes are sparse. This is mainly due to the fact that molecular interactions on molecular level are difficult to probe experimentally. Here, bioinformatics tools, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations will be used to study the effect of excipients on protein stability and to identify excipient hot spot regions on proteins and protein-protein complexes with the aim to correlate these results with experimentally determined structural and stability data generated in the consortium.
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 basis of computational techniques and 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 Associate Professor Günther Peters 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.
Salary and appointment terms
The salary is according to standardized 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 PhD 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 Denmark for more than 12 months during the three years prior to them joining the project.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Günther Peters, ghp@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 the degree.
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.
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.
