Umeå University - with its 33,000 students and over 4,000 employees - is an organisation in constant change and development. Umeå University conducts groundbreaking research within several areas - several in which we are among the best in the world - within others regarded as the leaders in Sweden. We are one of Sweden’s largest providers of education and offer a broad and attractive range of courses and programmes. Our campus constitutes an inspiring environment for everyone that studies and works here. We wish to co-operate with companies and organisations throughout the Umeå region and all over the world.
PhD student position
in biological chemistry:
Protein-Membrane Interactions inside the Cell: The Role of the Mitochondrion in Protein Misfolding and Cell Death
Project Description
The main objectives is to describe (by biophysical means) structurally and functionally the membrane mediated misfolding and aggregation behaviour of amyloidogenic proteins under cell-like crowding conditions, the dependence on intracellular mitochondrial target membranes, and the toxic consequences:. In particular, the aims of the project are:
i) Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sklerosis disorders: establishment of the general rules governing Aβ and SOD1 behaviour on membrane surfaces under crowded, cell-like conditions, especially in contact with mitochondrial target membranes. In particular, the fundamental differences to the cell-free situation will be described by characterizing the structural organization of membrane-associated Aβ and SOD1 oligomers generated in this environment.
ii) Programmed cell death: understanding of how amyloidogenic proteins are able to induce programmed cell death via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Which role do the main gatekeepers of this pathway – the Bcl-2 protein family – play in this process? For the ALS syndrome, the role of different mitochondrial target membranes in the formation of toxic SOD1 aggregates will be investigated (mitochondria debated as toxicity target), and the dependence of this process on the intracellular environment. A detailed structural and functional description will be provided for membrane-associated SOD1 and its most aggressive mutants.
The PhD student position is linked to Prof. Gerhard Gröbner’s group at the Department of Chemistry of Umeå University and its NMR facility. The Department of Chemistry (www.chemistry.umu.se) conducts research in the areas of biological chemistry, environmental biogeochemistry, and technical chemistry.
Requirements
The successful candidate should have a background in chemistry with focus on biochemistry, and/or biophysics and in addition be interested in NMR spectroscopy as well as biological questions. Good English writing and speaking skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaborating with others are highly valued.
The duration of a PhD education is 4 years (48 months; 2 years stipends, followed by two years PhD research employment). General requirements include: (i) 240 ECTS credit points (Swe. högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), (ii) equivalent educational merits gained in Sweden or abroad, or (iii) 120 Swedish (old) credit points (Swe. poäng) (corresponding to 180 ECTS credit points) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007. In addition to these general requirements, 120 ECTS credit points need to be in chemistry or a comparable subject. The requirements mentioned have to be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies, not at the time when your application is submitted. The expected starting date is in or around October-December 2010.
For further information, please contact Prof. Gerhard Gröbner
(E-mail: gerhard.grobner@chem.umu.se).
Application procedure
The application should include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) copies of a bachelor’s or master’s thesis (if available), and (iv) the names and contacts details of references. Documents sent electronically should be using either MS Word or the PDF format.
The procedure for recruitment for the position is in accordance with the
Higher Education Ordinance (chapt. 12, 2 §) and the decision regarding the position cannot be appealed.
The application period for this advert has expired.
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