Uncategorized

PhD position in Microbiology: Cell Biology of Metal Toxicity Field

Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.

A third cycle education at our department will lead to a Ph.D. in Natural sciences, or Natural sciences with a specialisation in Chemistry, Biology or Biophysics. Ph.D. studies comprises four years at the postgraduate level. The time period can be extended to 5 years in total through teaching and/or other departmental duties.

  • Diary id: PAR 2019/610
  • Employment level: Fixed term
  • Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Apply by: 2019-05-31

Molecular biology of metal toxicity and tolerance

Many metals endanger the environment and human health but are also increasingly used as therapeutic agents for medical treatment. Yet, little is known about the molecular mechanisms causing metal toxicity or the mechanisms by which eukaryotic cells counteract toxicity and acquire tolerance.

To gain insights into metal action and cellular tolerance mechanisms, we use front-line tools in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, chemical biology and functional genomics. We study (1) transport proteins through which metals enter or leave cells, (2) signal transduction and transcriptional regulatory mechanisms that cells use to sense and respond to metals, and (3) proteins and cellular processes that are targeted by metals. We use the model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) to explore fundamental aspects of metal biology and as a heterologous expression, system to study tolerance factors from other organisms such as plants and mammals.

For more information: http://cmb.gu.se/english/about_us/staff?&userId=xtamma

Job assignments

This Ph.D. project aims at advancing our molecular understanding of the toxicity and biological actions of selected metals. Specifically, the Ph.D. student will study (1) the molecular mechanisms by which metals interfere with protein folding and promote protein aggregation in living cells, (2) how aggregates impair cellular functions, and (3) how cells regulate the protein quality-control systems to protect against aggregate toxicity.

The Ph.D. student will be exposed to a broad range of scientific tasks and research questions that require a genuine interest in and knowledge of microbiology and molecular biology. Methods in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, functional genomics, bioinformatics and biochemistry will be used.

Eligibility

To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements:

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

  1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification,
  2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
  3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).

Assessment

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80. We seek a talented and dedicated student eager to pursue a career in microbiology/molecular biology. You should be open-minded, eager to learn and have a genuine interest in Science. You should be able to work independently and in a team and communicate well in English. The ideal candidate has an educational background in microbiology/molecular biology and practical experience with experimental techniques in microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, functional genomics, bioinformatics and/or biochemistry. Documented experience with such techniques and experience with yeast as model system is considered an advantage.

Employment

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, Four years full time
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: 1 September 2019 or as soon as possible

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80.

A new employment as a Ph.D. student applies for a maximum of one year. The Appointment may be prolonged for up to two years at a time. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of full-time doctoral studies.

University applies local agreement on salaries of graduate students.

Appointment procedure

Please apply online

The application shall include:

  • Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
  • CV including scientific publications
  • Copy of exam certificate
  • Two references (name, telephone no, relation)

For further information regarding the position

Contact information: Markus Tamas, Professor, +46(0)-31 786 2548, markus.tamas@cmb.gu.se

Questions regarding the third-cycle education: Martin Billeter, Director of third cycle education, +46(0) 31-786 3925, martin.billeter@gu.se
Questions regarding the employment: hr@cmb.gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline. The selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

Closing date 31/5/2019

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

Apply for this job
Advertisements

The BioScientist

The BioScientist is a platform for biological and biomedical thinker which covers the innovative technologies and scientific discoveries in the field of Biosciences.

Related Articles

Back to top button