Postdoctoral Position: CoNEXT: ‘Fertilizing the ground and harvesting the full potential of the new neutron and X‐ray research infrastructures close to Copenhagen University’, University of Copenhagen. The position is funded through the UCPH 2016 grant to the project CoNEXT: ‘Fertilizing the ground and harvesting the full potential of the new neutron and X‐ray research infrastructures close to Copenhagen University’ (UCPH Excellence Programme for Interdisciplinary Research), which aims at preparing and training researchers and students in the use of advanced neutron and X-ray sources and illustrating their impact on the society.
The project will be realized through interfaculty collaborations on specific projects.
The advertised Postdoctoral fellowship is part of a collaboration between the researchers from the Faculties of SCIENCE (Department of Chemistry) and HEALTH (Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology), the successful candidate will hold an appointment at the Faculty of SCIENCE, the Department of Chemistry.
Studies on the protozoan parasite P. falciparum that causes the most severe forms of malaria in humans is the focus of the collaborative project. The virulence of P. falciparumis related to the expression of high-molecular weight adhesive proteins called PfEMP1 on the surface of infected erythrocytes (IEs). The PfEMP1 proteins can bind to host vascular receptors, thereby mediating sequestration of IEs in various tissues, which leads to inflammation and organ dysfunction. Through the UCPH 2016 project, we aim to obtain low- and high-resolution structural information of the ligand-receptor interaction through small-angle X-ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) and X-ray crystallographic studies of the PfEMP1 adhesive domains alone and in complex either with receptors or ligand-specific monoclonal antibodies or with peptide mimics of these. The structural studies should be complemented with biophysical studies of interactions of the PfEMP1 proteins.
Qualifications requirements:
The Postdoctoral fellow will be expected to conduct the experiments at various international large-scale research infrastructures. In considering the applications for the Postdoctoral fellowship, the main emphasis will be on the applicant’s ability to document original scientific production in protein chemistry at an international level. The candidate will work on the malaria PfEMP1 proteins that allow P. falciparum parasites to sequester on the vascular lining and is expected to have a strong background in molecular biology and first-hand experience with structural protein chemistry, protein expression and protein handling and the use of biophysical methods in the characterization of protein interactions coupled with an interest in infectious diseases.
Terms of employment
Applications are invited for an up to 2-year Postdoctoral fellowship starting September 1, 2015. 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 organizations. The positions are covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities (2007). Non-Danish and Danish applicants for research positions may be eligible for tax reductions, if they have not lived in Denmark the last three years.
Questions
Further information is available from Professor Sine Larsen Department of Chemstry +45 21181123 E:mail: sine@chem.ku.dk, or professor Anja T.R. Jensen, tel. +45 3532 7682. E-mail: atrj@sund.ku.dk. Further information about the Department of Chemistry can be obtained at www.chem.ku.dk and the Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology obtained at www.isim.ku.dk.
Application
The application must be submitted in English ONLINE via the link “APPLY NOW” below, and must include the following:
· Cover letter stating the applicant´s interests and perceived interest in the specific project
· Curriculum vitae incl. the applicant´s former work and scientific experience (max 3 pages).
· Diplomas – all relevant certificates, including grades,
· List of publications
Please note that the applicant will be contacted if the assessment committee requires further documentation. Research position applications will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities. The University of Copenhagen encourages all interested in these posts to apply.
The closing date for applications is Sunday July 19, 2015 at 12:00 pm CET.Interviews are expected to take place during week 31.