University of Copenhagen  Follow

PhD Fellowship Program in Autocrine and Paracrine Sensing of Glycolysis through Lactate 2019-2022, Denmark

Publish Date: Jan 31, 2019

Deadline: Feb 06, 2019

PhD Fellowship in Autocrine and Paracrine Sensing of Glycolysis through Lactate

We are offering a PhD Scholarship in Autocrine and Paracrine sensing of Glycolysis through Lactate commencing 1 April 2019.

Our group and research

The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research (CBMR) was established in 2010 to conduct fundamental research on metabolism. It is part of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen. The Center has around 200 employees from all over the world. We moved into new laboratories, offices and meeting rooms in the Maersk Tower in summer 2017. 

Project description

GPR81 (HCAR1) is a Gi-coupled receptor sensing extracellular lactate. GPR81 is mainly expressed in adipocytes, where it has been reported to be responsible for mediating a major part of the inhibitory effect of insulin on lipolysis. However, GPR81 is also highly expressed and is the most highly enriched receptor in the enteroendocrine cells secreting the gut hormone ghrelin, which through multiple mechanisms prevents hypoglycemia during prolonged fasting. The project aims at characterising mechanisms through which GPR81 functions as an autocrine and paracrine monitor of glycolysis in both adipocytes and ghrelin cells through sensing of local concentrations of lactate by use of novel in-house generated GPR81 antagonists in combination with genetic models of GPR81 deficiency. A main hypothesis is that in both cell types an inhibitory lactate tonus mediated through GPR81 is balancing against a stimulatory sympathetic tone mediated through beta-adrenergic receptors. The project will exploit a broad range of both ex vivo and in vivo murine models with a translational aim.

Start: 1 April 2019

Duration: 3 years as a PhD Fellow 

Job description

  • Your key tasks as a PhD Fellow at SUND are:
  • Carry through an independent research project under supervision
  • Complete PhD courses or other equivalent education corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS points
  • Participate in active, interdisciplinary research environments including a stay at another research team
  • Obtain experience with teaching or other types of dissemination related to your PhD project
  • Teach and disseminate your research
  • Write a PhD thesis on the grounds of your project 

Key criteria for the assessment of candidates

Applicants must have qualifications corresponding to a master’s degree related to the subject area of the project e.g. molecular biomedicine, biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, etc. and experience in working with isolation and testing of primary cultures of gastric mucosal cells and primary cultures of adipocytes as well as in vivo mouse work including a FELASA ABD certificate.

Other important criteria are:

  • The grade point average achieved
  • Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD programme including molecular biology methods, immunohistochemistry, quantitative microscopy, histology, RT-qPCR, western blotting, protein-protein interaction assays, etc.
  • Prior knowledge in metabolic research and molecular pharmacology will be considered an advantage
  • Previous publications
  • Relevant work experience
  • Other professional activities
  • Ability to and experience with working in an international environment, where collaboration across clinical and academic sector is important
  • Skills in working interdisciplinary
  • Language skills 

Place of employment

The place of employment is at Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories, bioinformatics and statistic guidance, and access to big data from multiple cohorts.

Application procedure

  • Your application must be submitted electronically by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:  
  • Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
  • CV incl. education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
  • A certified/signed copy of Master of Science certificate. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor will do
  • Publication list (if possible)

The further process

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorised recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor.  

The assessor makes a non-prioritised assessment of the academic qualifications and experience with respect to the above-mentioned area of research, techniques, skills and other requirements listed in the advertisement.  

For more information click "LINK TO ORIGINAL" below.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

https://employment.ku.dk/phd/?show=148797

Similar Opportunities


Disciplines

Health

Medicine

Science

Study Levels

PhD

Opportunity Types

Fellowships

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

Denmark