PhD position focusing on structure, function and engineering of glycoside hydrolases
The Biological Chemistry section at the Department of Chemistry invites applicants for an externally funded PhD fellowship focusing on basic properties, engineering and applications of glycoside hydrolases. The project is part of research projects financed by the Independent Research Fund Denmark
Start date is (expected to be) 1 July 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The project
The PhD student will identify, recombinantly produce, structurally characterize and engineer selected glycoside hydrolases (galactanases), with the aim to modify selected non-carbohydrate molecules. The PhD student might also use glycoside hydrolases as a main model for a developing and validating an in house method for predicting protonation states of catalytic residues from high resolution crystal structures, with a view to understand and manipulate their pH-dependent properties.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with a solid foundation of structural bioinformatics/computational chemistry and preferably some computational crystallography but also some laboratory experience preferably in expression, purification, activity measurements and crystallization of enzymes. Additional competences in analytical chemistry, especially of carbohydrate derivatives, can be an advantage, as is previous experience on carbohydrate active enzymes. Applicants can have a background from bioinformatics, chemistry, biochemistry, nanoscience or related subjects, but it is essential that they have some experience, interest and attitude in both computational and laboratory work, since the project includes significant elements of both. The project involves collaboration with national and international scientists.
Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The group is a part of the Biological Chemistry Section at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. The section combines expertise in various biophysical techniques, protein chemistry and synthetic chemistry to understand various aspects of Biological Chemistry. The group in particular studies the structure and function of enzymes and other proteins, using a variety of techniques where the primary one is crystallography. We are located in Copenhagen.
We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment.
Principal supervisor is Prof. Leila Lo Leggio, Department of Chemistry, leila@chem.ku.dk
The PhD programme
For this position, you can undertake the PhD programme as a three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme). You need already to have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.
Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject areas of the project, e.g. Bioinformatics, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Nanoscience. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.
Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.
Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.
Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.
Responsibilities and tasks
- Carry through an independent research project under supervision
- Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
- Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
- Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
- Write high quality scientific papers
- Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project
We are looking for the following qualifications:
- Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
- Relevant publications/manuscripts
- Relevant work experience
- Other relevant professional activities
- Curious mind-set with a strong interest for the basic properties and applications of enzymes
- An ability to learn new skills
- An ability to interact professionally with other scientists with different scientific and personal background
- Good language skills
Application and Assessment Procedure
Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.
Please include:
- Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
- Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
- Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
- Publication list (if possible).
- Reference letters (if available)
Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is 2 March 2025, 23:59 GMT +1.
We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.
The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.
The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.
Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in weeks 15 – 17.
Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.
General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.
Part of the International Alliance of Research Universities (IARU), and among Europe’s top-ranking universities, the University of Copenhagen promotes research and teaching of the highest international standard. Rich in tradition and modern in outlook, the University gives students and staff the opportunity to cultivate their talent in an ambitious and informal environment. An effective organisation – with good working conditions and a collaborative work culture – creates the ideal framework for a successful academic career.