PhD in Molecular biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background

The focus of the Hauryliuk lab is molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis on the ribosome. We work on deciphering the molecular mechanisms implicated in bacterial virulence, tolerance to stress, resistance to antibiotics, and refractivity to phage infection [1-5]. We use a powerful combination of microbiological, biochemical, functional genomics (Ribo-Seq, 5PSeq) and structural biology (cryo-EM) techniques, and work in close collaboration with the bioinformatics group of Gemma C. Atkinson (evolutionary bioinformatics and high-throughout AlphaFold2-driven structural analyses, see: https://atkinson-lab.com/  The joint lab is based in the Department of Experimental Medical Sciences in the Biomedical Centre (BMC) in Lund. You can learn more about the department here:  Department of Experimental Medical Science | Faculty of Medicine, Lund University

One of the research directions in the lab is study of toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems of bacteria and bacteriophages. One of the novel TA toxins discovered in the lab are so-called toxSAS enzymes that inhibit bacterial growth though producing poisonous nucleotides (see our recent paper in PNAS [4]) or inhibiting translation by modifying tRNA (see our recent paper in Molecular Cell [5]). In 2020, our work on discovering and characterizing novel toxin-antitoxins was supported by a generous grant from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation see this link  https://kaw.wallenberg.org/en/research/bacterias-emergency-stop-buttonsThe fundamental studies of TAs lay the foundation for developing them into new biotechnological tools. Since TAs constitute a mechanism of defence against bacteriophages, our research is also important for understanding and eventually overcoming natural barriers to phage therapy for treating antibiotic resistant infections.

We are looking for an experimental full-time PhD student to work in our explorative toxin-antitoxin research program. In our group, we strive for a supportive, respectful and stimulating working environment that promotes personal and professional development for all members. The lab is fully equipped and operates in close collaboration with top research groups in Europe and USA.

The employment is for 4 years and start date is by agreement.

References

1. Roghanian M. et al. Molecular Cell, 81(16), 3310-3322.e6 (2021)
2. Crowe-McAuliffe C. et al. Nature Communications, 12(1):3577 (2021)
3. Crowe-McAuliffe C. et al. Molecular Cell, 81(1):115-126.e7 (2021)
4. Jimmy S. et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 117, 10500-10510, (2020)
5. Kurata T. et al. Molecular Cell 81, 3160-3170 e3169, (2021)

Responsibilities

In this PhD project will focus on toxin-antitoxin systems, but you will also have opportunities to broaden your horizons and work on other molecular systems studied in the lab, such as molecular mechanisms of protein synthesis in bacteria and eukaryotes, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. The main project will involve biochemical, structural, microbiological and functional genomics approaches. You will have the opportunity to attend and present your work at international meetings.

Qualifications

Eligibility:

A person meets the general entry requirements for the doctoral programme if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has met the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Required Expertis:

-Familiarity with molecular microbiology techniques

-Familiarity with recombinant DNA technology

-Background understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics

-Proficiency in spoken and written English.

Desirable Expertise:

 -Experience in working with bacteriophages

-Experience in protein and / or RNA biochemistry or / and structural biology

-Experience in biochemical, functional genomics or cryo-EM studies of protein synthesis

-Experience in microbiological and biochemical analysis of toxin-antitoxin systems

-Coding skills

Assessment basis

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.

Application

Include the following documents in your application:

1. A cover letter (maximum 1 page) with the following sections:

-Motivation: Explain your interest in the project, motivation for applying, and what you hope to learn.

-Eligibility and experience: Explain how you fulfil the eligibility and qualification requirements, describe your previous relevant experience and outline how you will contribute to the research group.

2. A CV (maximum 2 pages) with contact details of two referees.

3. Bachelors and Masters certificates.

For more information contact Vasili Hauryliuk vasili.hauryliuk@med.lu.se