PhD Position in Biotechnology: Characterization and Heterologous Production of Collagen-binding Proteins

A three-year PhD fellowship in biotechnology and protein research focusing on collagen-binding proteins and collagen fibril formation is available at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, University of Southern Denmark. The position is available starting 1st of January 2016 or as soon as possible thereafter. Connective tissues such as skin and cornea are characterized by extracellular structural frameworks composed of densely packed collagen fibers which provide structure and tensile strength to the tissues. The formation and organization of the collagenous scaffolds are catalyzed and regulated by matrix proteins such as dermatopontin, leucine-rich repeat proteins, and different proteoglycans. The aim of the PhD project is to identify and characterize molecular interactions involved in the control of collagen fibril formation and identify heterologous expression systems to produce relevant collagen-binding proteins/polypeptides in larger amounts. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms controlling collagen fibril formation may lead to the development of new protein pharmaceuticals to prevent abnormal collagen deposition in tissue scarring and/or reveal new avenues for biotechnology-based production of highly-ordered collagen-scaffolds in vitro. The PhD project will involve: • Purification of extracellular matrix proteins • Cloning and heterologous production of collagen-binding matrix proteins • Development of protein-function assays • Functional-structural characterization of protein-protein interaction • In vitro or in vivo collagen scaffold assays. Qualification requirements: The successful applicant should have a master degree in Science or Engineering within biotechnology, biochemistry, molecular biology or a related topic. In addition, excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required. Experience within extracellular matrix research, protein purification, molecular cloning, protein expression, protein characterization, and mass spectrometry will be advantageous. The candidate is expected to be highly motivated, reliable and work independently and being self-motivated. Application, salary and conditions of employment etc. A PhD Fellowship is a three-year salaried position. Enrollment and employment ends automatically by the end of the period. The holder of the fellowship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period. Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations), Cirkulære om overenskomst for Akademikere i staten 2013. The faculty expects the applicants to have read the information on work and salary conditions before applying. Applications must be submitted electronically using the link below. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. The Faculty expects applicants to read the information “How to apply” before applying. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. An application must include: Completed application form for 5+3 applicants A curriculum vitae A letter stating your interest, motivation etc. Please attach the motivational letter to "application material" under " Research plan" References Verified copies of bachelor diploma and transcript Verified copies of master’s diploma and transcript Calculation of point grade average Please note the definition of verified: Verified official transcripts of exams in English or Danish translation and verified copy of bachelor diploma and master’s diploma - All documentation must be officially translated into English. All documents must be verified. Verified means that your home university or a public notary verifies that the copy is a true copy of the original document. Each page of the copy must be stamped with the original stamp of the verifying institution and added the text: “True copy of the original document” and signed with a blue pen. The University encourages all interested persons to apply, regardless of age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background. Campus: Odense Apply:http://www.sdu.dk/en/servicenavigation/right/ledige_stillinger