PhD studentship with focus on medical biochemistry/medical biophysics - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University is looking for a PhD student for structural and functional studies of horizontal gene transfer via Type 4 Secretion Systems.

PhD project
Our research group studies the structural and functional mechanisms of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria via Type 4 Secretion Systems (T4SS). The rapid increase of multi-resistant bacteria in today’s society makes it imperative to understand the basic structural and biochemical functions of the very large protein complexes that catalyse the transfer of the DNA.

To date only a few Gram-negative model systems of T4SSs have been studied. The goal of the PhD project is to obtain structural and functional data of Gram-positive systems as well as more divergent Gram-negative T4SSs, in order to understand the similarities and differences between the two. The PhD project will involve methods in molecular biology, biochemistry and structural biology, such as cloning, protein expression and purification, surface plasmon resonance, calorimetry as well as X-ray crystallography and cryo electron microscopy.

Qualifications
The applicant must have completed relevant university studies of at least 240 ECTS in the fields of biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, biotechnology or similar. Very good communication skills in English are required, both orally and in writing. The applicant is expected to be an independent worker, but also to be able to work in a group. It is a great advantage if the applicant has practical experience of biochemical analysis and protein purification. Documented experience of x-ray crystallography and/or electron microscopy is a merit.

Admission requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, or have an equivalent education from abroad or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in medical biochemistry or medical biophysics, the applicant is required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are at second-cycle level, in chemistry, biomedicine, molecular biology or equivalent.

About the position
The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree and the main task of the PhD students is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research, the department seminar series, and courses. The duties within this position may also include teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 15% of full working time). The employment is time-limited to four years of full-time work, with extension to compensate for part time teaching and other duties. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary ladder for PhD positions. Time of hiring after agreement.

The application
A complete application package should contain the following documents:

• A motivation letter (max 1 A4), where you highlight why you want to join the lab and study T4SSs. This letter must also include your contact information.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A copy of your completed BSc and/or MSc thesis and, if applicable, other research publications.
• Verified copies of degree certificates, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades.
• Contact information to at least two reference persons who can testify on your skills.

Your application should be written in English or Swedish and be prepared as a package in PDF format, to be submitted via our e-recruitment system (link below) on April 30, 2019 at the latest. The top ranked candidates will be contacted within three weeks from the closing date for an interview.

For more information, contact Dr. Ronnie Berntsson ronnie.berntsson@umu.se

https://www.biostruct.umu.se/principal-investigators/ronnie-berntsson/