PhD position in Molecular Biology - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

A PhD position is available at the Department of Molecular Biology starting 1 July 2018 or as agreed. The successful candidate will participate in activities provided by the the Department of Molecular Biology, the  Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS), Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR) and the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine, thus providing interaction with researchers from different research fields and access to various scientific and technical expertises.

Project description

The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is a key component in bacteria and it functions as a main defence barrier. This macromolecule needs to be highly dynamic since it is exposed to various environmental changes that can alter the composition of the cell wall. In order to cope with different stressors, a great number of enzymes are working together to assure the integrity of the cell. The best-known enzymes are the so-called penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs). These proteins are extensively studied in Escherichia coli, but relatively little is known about them in other organisms. Preliminary data from the Cava lab discovered a new penicillin-binding protein that seems to be specific for bacteria of the genus Vibrio. For a more comprehensive understanding how this enzyme is regulating peptidoglycan synthesis and/or editing, molecular biological, biochemical and analytical chemistry approaches will be performed. New knowledge emerging from this project might have an extraordinary potential to reveal novel and specific targets for the development of new “bacteria-specific” class of antimicrobials and their further exploitation in clinical therapies.

The project is focused on the following specific topics: 1) Structural and biochemical characterization of a novel penicillin-binding protein to investigate its biological relevance 2) Analysis of the diversity of similar proteins within the genus Vibrio as well as searching for homologs in other genera, in order to 3) develop a new

generation of antimicrobials targeting specific traits of bacterial peptidoglycan. A main focus of the lab will be to train the next generation of scientists. We will create an environment that is conductive to learning and testing new skills.

Qualification and experience

Applicants must hold or anticipate receiving within the next months, a University degree equivalent to a European University Master degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 credit points, of which at least 120 should be at second-cycle level. Required is a minimum of 30 credits in the main field of chemistry, including at least 7.5 credits biochemistry; 45 credits in the major areas of biology or molecular biology with at least 7.5 credits in genetics and 22,5 credits in the fields of microbiology, physiology and cell-and molecular biology. Additionally, at least 45 credits from second cycle studies in cell- and molecular biology including an independent work of at least 15 credits is required. Knowledge in microbiology, particularly expertise working with Vibrio, fluorescence microscopy, Real-time quantitative PCR, basic molecular biological and biochemical methods, and analytical chemistry (i.e. HPLC/UPLC and mass spectroscopy methods) are particularly qualifying. Enthusiasm, the ability for good team work, and a good command of the English language, both written and spoken, are key qualifications.  

About the position

The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies which include both participation in research and postgraduate courses. Teaching and other departmental work can be assigned (up to a maximum of 20%). The employment is limited to four years full-time, or up to five years when including other duties part time. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD position. 

Application

A complete application should be written in English and include:

• a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying,
• copies of all relevant certificates (with translation to English),
• a curriculum vitae, 
• the names and contacts of three references.

Application can be made electronically (MS Word or PDF) or in paper format (two copies).

Information

For further information please contact Dr. Felipe Cava, felipe.cava@molbiol.umu.se http://www.wallenbergacademyfellows.se/en/List-of-scientists/CavaFelipe/

http://www.umu.se/sok/english/staff-directory/view-person?uid=feca0003&guise=employee212077

Publications:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=felipe+cava

We look forward to receiving your application!