PhD stipend in biophysical to approaches to structure-function assessment of transport proteins
A time-limited 3-year PhD position at Molecular Neuropharmacology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology is available July 1st 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. The aim of the project is to elucidate the conformational changes required for neurotransmitter:sodium symporters (NSSs) to transport substrate and bind inhibitors such as cocaine and antidepressants.
The PhD student will work with expression and purification of the bacterial NSS member, LeuT, as well as on eukaryotic dopamine transporters. The conformational dynamics will be monitored with – mainly fluorescence-based – biophysical methods such as transition metal ion FRET and environmentally sensitive fluorophores. Fluorescence will be assesses with both spectroscopic and life-time instruments. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry will also be employed.
The project will be partially financed by the KU2016 Program of Excellence involving multidisciplinary collaboration between neurobiologists, pharmacologists, molecular biologists, biophysicists and legal officers.
Qualifications
In connection with the appointment to the post, special importance will be attached to the applicant having the following professional and personal qualifications:
- A Master’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, human biology or in an equivalent area
- Experience with molecular biology
- Experience with purification and functional characterization of membrane proteins
- Experience with radioligand binding assays, in particular scintillation proximity assay (SPA)
- Experience with transition metal ion FRET and/or environmentally sensitive fluorophores
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
All highly motivated and ambitious candidates, regardless of their personal background and status, are encouraged to apply.
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). In addition to research activities, the PhD candidate will be expected – during the period of the stipend – to acquire experience in teaching and/or other types of presentations.
For further information, please contact Associate Professor Claus Lølandcllo@sund.ku.dk or Center Coordinator Tinne Midtgaard tinne@sund.ku.dk.
How to apply – Please send your application, resume, as well as names and contact details of referees electronically by clicking “Apply online” below. We only receive electronic applications. The closing date for applications is 5. juni 2015.
Following processing of the application, any application material sent will be destroyed.
Receipt of the application will not be acknowledged, but the applicant will be kept continuously informed of the progress of the application.
The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no 284 of 25. April 2008.