Chemistry/Biophysics Postgraduate (PhD) Scholarship: Massey University 2076 views

The Institute of Fundamental Sciences, Massey University offers a PhD scholarship for an enthusiastic and motivated student in chemistry/biochemistry/chemical biology field.

About the project:

• The project is part of a current research programme devoted to the family of enzymes, called APOBEC3, that mutate DNA and RNA and in this way promote mutagenesis in several cancers resulting in drug resistance, rapid disease development and poor survival prognosis.
• This PhD study will be focused on understanding how APOBEC3 proteins interact with recently discovered RNA substrates.
• This programme is part of association between Dr. Elena Harjes (NMR analysis of RNA-protein interactions), Assoc. Prof. Vyacheslav V. Filichev (DNA/RNA chemistry) and Prof. Geoffrey B. Jameson (structural biology and protein biochemistry).
• It also involves connections with Reuben Harris’s Cancer program, University of Minnesota, USA.

Requirements:

• Applicant must hold First class or high upper 2nd class honours degree, or a master’s degree with merit or distinction, in chemistry/biochemistry or a related quantitative discipline.
• Applicants holding overseas qualifications of an equivalent standard are also eligible to apply.
• Applicants having experience in synthetic chemistry is essential and experience with the synthesis (chemical or biochemical) and purification of nucleic acids is highly desirable.
• Applicant must demonstrate interest in biological questions, experience with protein purification and some familiarity with NMR spectroscopy would be considered favourable.

Duration: 3 years

Remuneration covers tuition fees plus a stipend of NZ$ 25,000 per annum (non-taxable)

Location: Manawatu Campus of Massey University

Application:

• Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the studentship is filled.

Note: The enrolment date is September 2017