Applicants are invited for two PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biological and Chemical Engineering programme. The position is available from 1 August 2023 or later. Title: Two PhD Fellowships studying the biosynthesis and biotechnological applications of antibacterial lasso peptides
Research area and project description: Lasso peptides are intriguing natural products with pharmaceutical functions ranging from antibacterial to GPCR binders. They are encoded in bacterial genomes where small precursor peptides are co-transcribed with so-called macrocyclases that fold and lock the peptides into their unique lasso structure. The project will aim to study the details of biosynthesis and how genetic engineering can achieve new and improved products for pharmaceutical applications.
The candidates will be part of the Microbial Biosynthesis Lab in the section for industrial biotechnology. The candidates will work closely together but be individually responsible for separate and independent projects within lasso peptide biosynthesis. The Microbial Biosynthesis lab consists of experienced researchers, a research technician, master- and bachelor students all working on different aspects of natural product biosynthesis and their antibacterial properties.
We are looking for two curious persons that value teamwork and has a strong interest in natural product and their biosynthesis. Project description: For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences:
The applicants must have a relevant Master’s degree in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or similar or submit documentation that they will obtain one before 1st of August 2023. Likewise, the candidates must be proficient in English both written and oral. Documented experience with the following topics will be considered an advantage:
- Designing CRISPR-Cas9 gene genome editing strategies
- Heterologous protein expression (in E. coli or Streptomyces spp.)
- Investigating enzyme function in vitro
- Cultivating Streptomyces or other filamentous microorganisms
- Natural product purification and characterization (FPLC/HPLC, MS)
- Bioinformatics (antiSMASH, sequence similarity networks, phylogeny)
- Python programming
Place of employment and place of work: The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10, 8000 Aarhus C.
Contacts: Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact: Associate Professor Thomas Tørring, thomast@bce.au.dk
How to apply:
Please follow this link to submit your application. Application deadline is 1 April 2023 23:59 . Preferred starting date is 1 August 2023.
Please note: The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview. Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.