PhD student in “Exploration of the sequence dependence of protein assembly and condensation at high throughput” - DTU Bioengineering

Be part of a team performing cutting edge research in the field of protein aggregation and liquid phase separation! Apply for the ERC-funded project with the aim to develop novel methods to explore the amino acid sequence space of these protein assembly phenomena.
The research group of Prof. Alexander K. Buell at the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Bioengineering) is looking to recruit a PhD student, to start from 1st of November 2024 or as soon as possible afterwards. Our research group is situated within the section of Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology (PCET), where world-leading expertise in protein chemistry and structural biology is concentrated. Our laboratory performs cutting-edge experimental research in the field of protein and peptide self-assembly and aggregation. The applied methods include protein engineering as well as various spectroscopy, scattering, biosensing and microfluidics techniques and we work on a range of protein systems the aggregation of which is associated with human disease. The overall aim of our research is to achieve a profound mechanistic understanding of protein and peptide assembly into ordered (e.g. fibrillar) and disordered (amorphous, liquid droplet) condensed phases and of the physico-chemical factors and sequence determinants that drive it. To achieve these goals, we also collaborate with structural, computational and medical biologists. The motivation behind our research is to enable rational control of such assembly processes in the context of human disorders, nutrition, protein biotechnology as well as in the creation of novel types of functional biomaterials.

Research project

In this project, which is funded by a prestigious ERC consolidator grant (EMMA), the aim is to generate a much better understanding than is currently available of the link between the amino acid sequence of an intrinsically disordered protein (IDP) and its condensation and aggregation properties. We will develop a novel ultra-high throughput experimental method based on mRNA display to explore the sequence dependence of the assembly and interactions of alpha-synuclein (related to Parkinson’s disease) and TDP-43 (related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). We also collaborate with world-leading computational and bioinformatics groups in order to extract the maximal possible insight from the data we generate. More detailed information on the project can be obtained at the interview stage.

Responsibilities

Your main responsibility will be to contribute to the establishment and application of a new experimental methodology with the aim of probing the relationship between protein sequence and assembly into condensates and aggregates at ultra-high throughput. Further tasks will include:

• Assistance in and involvement with other research projects and topics in the group
• Help with the supervision of BSc and MSc students
• Taking responsibility for the functioning of research equipment
• Experimental design, data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences and meetings

Qualifications

As our new PhD student you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in experimental Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology or related fields. As well as some practical laboratory experience with biophysical characterization of proteins and/or with a protein display technology (e.g. phage display) and DNA sequencing in the context of an MSc thesis. Furthermore, if you are generally interested in the quantitative study of biomolecular systems in vitro and comfortable in an interdisciplinary research environment of openness and collaboration, you will be a good fit in our team.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see

DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. Starting date is the 1st of November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about

career paths at DTU here.

Further information

May be obtained from Prof. Alexander K. Buell, tel.: +45 4525 4061, email:

[email protected] or can be found on the group’s website,

https://buelllab.org

You can read more about the Department in which the research will be carried out at

www.https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at

DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “

PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure

Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 31 July 2024 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter, stating explicitly why the candidate applies for this position and why she/he is particularly suited for this position)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• List of publications, if any
• Contact details of 1-2 academic contacts who are prepared to provide a professional reference for the candidate.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science- and biotech industries and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus

Technology for people

DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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