2 PhD students in Structural Biology

Job description

Two 3 year PhD fellowships are available in the Group of Structural Biology and Drug Development (Luecke group) at the Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo (UiO).

The Group for Structural Biology and Drug Development investigates medically relevant proteins and protein complexes using biophysical, biochemical and structural approaches. The projects aim at understanding structure-function relationships with an emphasis on drug discovery. We employ a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques (x-ray crystallography, single particle cryo electron microscopy, DSF, ITC, SPR, HDX-MS, SAXS, molecular dynamics simulations etc.). Externally funded projects include inhibitor discovery targeting the Helicobacter pylori pH acclimation system (a pH-gated urea channel and a cytoplasmic urease), and discovery of compounds that reactivate p53 cancer mutants in vitro and in vivo. Additional projects are available.

The PhD students will also benefit from career development programs offered both at UiO, the Norwegian BioCat initiative as well as the Nordic EMBL network of the Centre for Molecular Medicine, Norway.

The position is part of the Innovative Training Network (ITN) “PROTON”. The network is devoted to the investigation of proton transport and proton-coupled transport. It is funded under Marie Sklodowska-Curie actions (H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019, grant agreement number: 860592).

More about the position

We seek highly motivated individuals with an excellent track record and experience in protein purification and biophysical and biochemical characterization of proteins and protein complexes. Experience in the field of structural biology techniques is an advantage. We offer stimulating environment with excellent working and social benefits. The fellowship requires admission to the PhD program at the Faculty of Medicine. The application to the PhD program must be submitted to the department no later than two months after taking up the position.

Qualification requirements

• We look for students with exceptional academic performance holding or very close to completing their Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry or closely related subjects,
• Hands-on experience with purification of proteins and assembly of protein complexes.
• Ability to independently perform experiments, analyze and interpret the results.
• Excellent interpersonal/communication skills.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to operate as a team player in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Additional information:

Applicants must, at the date of recruitment by PROTON, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctorate) of their research careers

They should not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. This excludes short stays such as holidays or compulsory national service.

Skills/Qualifications

Applicants must, at the date of recruitment by PROTON, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience measured from the date when the researcher obtained the degree entitling him/her to embark on a doctorate) of their research careers

They should not have been awarded a doctoral degree.

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. This excludes short stays such as holidays or compulsory national service.

We look for students with exceptional academic performance holding or very close to completing their Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Biophysics, Biochemistry or closely related subjects.

Specific Requirements

• Experience in working with data and software for the visual of protein structures.
• Publications in international journals/attendance of international conferences in the following fields: structural biology, biochemistry (if applicable)
• Site directed mutagenesis, protein overexpression
• Protein purification and membrane reconstitution
• Soft skills: presentation skill, team working ability

We offer

• The PhD candidate positions will be placed as SKO 1017 (position code) with salary NOK 479 600 – 532 300 per annum, depending on qualifications.
• A professional, stimulating working environment
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities
• PROTON also provides mobility allowance and familiy allowance (if applicable).

How to apply

The application must include

• Cover letter, stating your motivation, scientific background, and research interests
• A detailed CV (summarizing education, positions and academic work)
• List of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English.

When evaluating the application, emphasis will be given to the eventuelt “project description” and the applicant’s academic and personal prerequisites to carry out the project. Applicants may be called in for an interview.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Research Fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one PhD Research Fellowship period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The appointment may be shortened/given a more limited scope within the framework of the applicable guidelines on account of any previous employment in academic positions.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Contact information

Please contact Assistant Director, Dr. Hartmut Luecke with questions on the project and position.

For questions relating to the administrative aspects of the application, please contact Nina Modahl

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