PhD scholarship in The biological roles of protein aggregate stability

The research group of Prof. Alexander K. Buell at the department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Bioengineering) is looking to recruit a PhD student, to start as soon as possible. Our research group is situated within the section of Protein Chemistry and Enzyme Technology, where world-leading expertise in protein chemistry and structural biology is concentrated. Our laboratory performs cutting-edge experimental research in the field of protein and peptide self-assembly and aggregation. The applied methods include protein engineering as well as various spectroscopy, scattering, biosensing and microfluidics techniques and we work on a range of protein systems the aggregation of which is associated with human disease. The overall aim of our research is to achieve a profound mechanistic understanding of protein and peptide assembly into ordered (fibrillar, crystalline) and disordered (amorphous, liquid droplet) condensed phases and of the physico-chemical factors and sequence determinants that drive it. To achieve these goals, we also collaborate with structural, computational and medical biologists. The motivation behind our research is to enable rational control of such assembly processes in the context of human disorders, protein biotechnology as well as in the creation of novel types of functional biomaterials.

Research project
In this project, which is funded by the Lundbeck Foundation, the aim is to quantify the thermodynamic stability of various condensed and aggregated states of the proteins alpha-synuclein and TDP-43, as well as variants (mutants, truncated forms and PTMs) thereof. The results of these biophysical experiments will then be compared with the degradability of the aggregates by chaperones and the proteasome. The project will involve collaborations with world-leading researchers in Germany, France and the UK. More detailed information on the project can be obtained on request.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The successful candidate will contribute to the establishment of a new experimental methodology with the aim of probing the relationship between protein aggregate stability and degradability. Further tasks will include:

• Help with the supervision of a MSc or BSc students
• Taking responsibility for the functioning of research equipment
• Experimental design, data analysis, writing of scientific articles and presentations at conferences and meetings
• Spend several weeks or a couple of months abroad in the laboratories of collaborators (e.g. Germany, UK, France) to learn methods there which we want to establish in our own lab.
• Act as teaching assistant for exercise classes

The successful candidate should

• Have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Biotechnology or related fields.
• Be interested in the quantitative study of biomolecular systems in vitro
• Excellent English communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills and interest in working in a team of multiple partners.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The position starts on 1.8.2023 or as soon as possible thereafter and the period of employment is 3 years.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Alexander K. Buell, alebu@dtu.dk
Homepages:

• https://www.bioengineering.dtu.dk/english/ResearchNy/Research-Sections/Section-for-Protein-Chemistry-and-Enzyme-Technology/Protein-Biophysics
• https://buelllab.org/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of
moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 April 2023 (Danish time).

Apply at: PhD scholarship in The biological roles of protein aggregate stability

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the
online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• Contact details of 1-2 referees that will be only contacted if the candidate reaches the interview stage

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

The Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine (DTU Bioengineering) is an international leader in the areas of biotechnology and biomedicine. Our engineering approach to all aspects of biotechnology and biomedicine positions us as a valuable player with unique competences in a growing bio-based economy and with health systems transforming towards personalized medicine. We have a clear focus on the needs in the life science industry and point towards innovation, new businesses, and scientific services for the benefit of society. The department has extensive collaborations with national and international research units and industry. DTU Bioengineering has approx. 400 employees, of which 2/3 are scientific staff. The department is located at DTU Lyngby Campus.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.