PhD in biochemistry - structural biology of cancer linked protein kinases - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Chemistry are seeking a PhD-student in biochemistry with focus on structural biology of cancer linked protein kinases. The position is for 4 years of research including courses on graduate level. Application deadline is 20 May 2020.

Description
A PhD position in biochemistry is available in the laboratory of Professor Magnus Wolf-Watz at the Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Sweden. The PhD project is aimed at uncovering novel molecular mechanisms underlying the function of human protein kinases. Focus will be on two specific protein kinases that are intimately linked to a number of disorders in humans including various forms of cancer. The doctoral student will enter a multidisciplinary project that is built on collaborations with both Professor Kwangho Nam at University of Texas Arlington and with Marené Landström (Professor in pathology at Umeå University). The doctoral student will be trained in structural biology, protein production, biochemistry and biophysics and will collaborate with both cell biologists and computational chemists. Structural biology may go in any of the directions; single particle cryo EM, x-ray crystallography or protein NMR spectroscopy depending on the development of the research project and also depending on the interests of the doctoral student. The position is in part funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Research tasks
The aim of the project is to uncover novel functional mechanisms for selected human protein kinases at the atomic level with structural biology. Below the expected work tasks are listed;

• Establishment of production systems for the two kinases. This will include work with E. coli, insect cells and possibly yeast cells.
• Development of protein purification protocols.
• Structural biology analysis of native and post-translationally modified protein kinases. This will include one or several of the following techniques: single particle cryo EM, x-ray crystallography or protein NMR spectroscopy.
• Biochemical and biophysical analysis with spectroscopy and calorimetric methods.
• Writing of papers.

Qualifications
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS 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 chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

Good knowledge in English, both written and spoken, is a requirement. You must be strongly self-motivated and have the ability to work in a multidisciplinary work environment.

Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Certified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades and other relevant certificates
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system no later than May 20:th 2020.

For more information please contact Professor Magnus Wolf-Watz, telephone number: +4690-786 7690, e-mail: magnus.wolf-watz@umu.se.

Umeå University has a vibrant environment in “Integrated Structural Biology” that harbors 19 research groups with totally around 90 persons. We have state of the art equipment for cryo EM, x-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy and high performance computation. Please visit www.biostruct.umu.se for more information. The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 staff of which approximately 40 doctoral students, and a strong expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.