PhD fellowship in Ion Channel Pharmacology, Structure and Function. The Center for Biopharmaceuticals (Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen is pleased to announce that a PhD fellowship will be available from 31 December 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is 21 August 2015.
Applications are invited for the three-year fellowship from applicants who hold or expect to hold a master´s degree in a field relevant to the following project:
Novel approaches to study ion channel pharmacology, structure and function.
Project description
The PhD project will focus on ligand-gated ion channels that mediate ion flux across cell membranes in response to binding of endogenous ligands, such as neurotransmitters. Ion channels are widely expressed in humans and considered important therapeutic targets, as their dysfunction can result in various disorders. The technically highly challenging project will establish a novel method to study ion channel pharmacology, structure & function using a cutting-edge combination of electrophysiology and molecular biology.
The PhD fellowship is financed by Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen (KU SUND), the Center for Biopharmaceuticals and the Lundbeck Foundation.
Required qualifications
The applicant must have:
•obtained a Master´s degree in a relevant subject area prior to the starting date
•fluency in English and excellent communication skills
Preferred qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated individual with a background in molecular biology, chemical biology, pharmacology, biochemistry or neuroscience, ideally with experience in practical molecular/chemical biology and electrophysiology at the MSc level. The applicant should also have a strong theoretical education in biophysics and spectroscopy.
Supervisor
Associate Professor Stephan Pless, email: Stephan.pless@sund.ku.dk, Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen.
General job description
Your key tasks as a PhD fellow at the Faculty are to:
•manage and carry out your research project
•take PhD courses
•write scientific articles and your PhD thesis
•participate in national and international congresses and scientific meetings
•stay at an external research institution, preferably abroad
•teach and disseminate your research
•participate in the undergraduate teaching of students in pharmaceutical sciences
Key criteria for the assessment of applicants
•Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project (preference will be given to applicants with practical experience in electrophysiology and molecular biology)
•Previous publications in peer-reviewed journals
•The grade point average achieved
•Relevant work experience, or other professional activities, including international experience
•English language as well as interpersonal skills
Formal requirements
The position is available for a three-year period for applicants holding a relevant master´s degree.
The successful applicant will be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences according to the rules stipulated in the Ministerial order on the PhD program at the universities (PhD order) from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Higher Education and the guidelines for the PhD programme at the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences.
The PhD fellow is expected to be affiliated to the graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences, Drug Research Academy.
Terms of employment
Salary and other terms of employment are stated in the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).
Questions
Further questions about the project should be directed to Stephan A. Pless (email:stephan.pless@sund.ku.dk, direct phone +45 23 64 90 66). Applicants are also encouraged to read more about the research group at www.theplesslab.com
For further information about the PhD program, applicants may contact the supervisor or Administrator Marianne W. Jørgensen, email: marianne.joergensen@sund.ku.dk, direct phone: +45 35 33 64 49.
For more information on working and living in Denmark visit www.ism.ku.dk (International staff mobility) and www.workingconditions.ku.dk.
How to apply
Applicants are requested to submit their application electronically below including (in pdf):
•Cover letter: Letter stating the interest in and qualifications for the project (max. one page)
•Full CV
•Diploma and transcripts of records: Master´s degree diploma (including grade transcripts for bachelor´s and master´s degrees). Applicants with a Master´s degree from abroad should also enclose a short description of the grading scale used
•Possible publication list
•Other information to consider: Possible references and recommendations
Note that only applications in English and with all documents in PDF format will be considered.
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Deadline: 21 August 2015.
Please note that only online applications will be accepted.
Applications will be handled and processed by the supervisors and by a committee. An answer as to the granting of the fellowship can be expected approx. 3-4 weeks after application deadline.