PhD fellowship in molecular microbiology
A 3-year PhD fellowship is available in the Biomolecular regulation group at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
The position start date is October 1, 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Description of the scientific environment
The Biomolecular regulation group is led by Associate Professors Sine Lo Svenningsen and Michael Sørensen. The group addresses fundamental regulatory and mechanistic aspects of bacterial gene expression and growth regulation. A common interest among the group members is the role of RNA molecules as regulators and mediators of protein synthesis. We are part of the BASP Centre of Excellence funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, a cross-disciplinary research centre focused on understanding bacterial stress responses and persistence.
Organisationally, the group belongs to the Section for Biomolecular Sciences at the Department of Biology. The Department is among the largest departments at the University of Copenhagen. It employs 475 academic and technical staff and hosts research programs and teaching curricula that cover all major biological sub-disciplines. University rankings typically place the field of biology/biochemistry at the University of Copenhagen first in Denmark and among the top 30 universities internationally.
In addition to the PhD-programme, three BSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine) and four MSc study programmes (biology, biochemistry, molecular biomedicine, bioinformatics) at the Department engage close to 2000 students. The successful candidate will join a lively group of 150 PhD students at the Department and will be enrolled at the PhD School of Science.
Specific topic of the PhD project
During growth in many cell types, translation is the most energy consuming process, exceeding 50% of the total cellular energy budget. In our model organism, Escherichia coli, we have observed that a substantial fraction of the RNA components of the translation machinery are degraded during periods of nutrient limitation and other types of stress. The PhD project aims to determine how RNA degradation impacts E. coli’s adaptation to various growth situations, such as alternating periods of nutrient limitation and nutrient abundance. The project will mainly involve methods from bacterial growth physiology, genetics, and RNA biology/biochemistry. The PhD position is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.
Criteria for the assessment of candidates
We are looking for a candidate with the following professional and personal qualifications:
- A background focused on the molecular biology of bacteria.
- A strong interest in the research questions addressed by the group.
- Documented laboratory experience within molecular microbiology, especially RNA biology/biochemistry.
- Well-developed collaborative skills.
- Strong motivation to contribute to a working environment that is both productive and pleasant for all members of the group.
Formal requirements
Applicants should hold an M.Sc. degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biomedicine or Biophysics with very good results, and should have good English skills. In the assessment of qualifications we will emphasize the perceived research potential of the applicant and the relevance of previous research experience.
Terms of employment
The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.
The starting salary is currently at a minimum DKK 321,054 including annual supplement (+ pension of DKK 54,900 per year). Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.
Place of work
The main place of work will be at Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen at Nørre Campus, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 220 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
Application Procedure
The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
The application must include the following documents:
- Cover Letter, stating your motivation and background for applying for this specific PhD project.
- CV
- Diplomas and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc degrees)
- Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications
- Full contact details (Name, address, telephone & email) of 2 professional referees
The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
The deadline for applications is August 28, 2018, 23:59 GMT +2. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Questions
For more information, please contact Sine Lo Svenningsen, email SLS@bio.ku.dk, phone (+45) 35 32 20 33
For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=147735