Doctoral student in Microbiology in the medical area - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

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. We use a powerful combination microbiological, biochemical, functional genomics and structural biology 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: https://www.medicine.lu.se/faculty-medicine-lund-university/departments/department- experimental-medical-science

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 [1] or inhibiting translation by modifying tRNA [2]. Now we have established that toxSAS TAs can act as bacterial antiviral immunity systems protecting bacteria from bacteriophages [3]. This project will focus on discovery of other TA-based mechanisms of phage immunity and uncover their molecular mechanisms. Phage defence systems are both fascinating from the basic science point of view, but also clearly clinically relevant: with phage therapy being an important alternative to antibiotics, understating the mechanisms that thwart it is crucial.

We are looking for an experimental full-time PhD student to work 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. 

Start date is by agreement 

References

1. Jimmy S. et al. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 117, 10500-10510, (2020)
2. Kurata T. et al. Molecular Cell 81, 3160-3170 e3169, (2021)
3. Zhang T. et al. Nature 612(7938):132-140 (2022)

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University | Lund University

Work duties and areas of responsibility 

In this PhD project will focus on bacterial anti-phage immunity 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 eucaryotes, 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

Other work duties within the research group may arise. 

Qualifications 

Expertise: Required:

-Familiarity with molecular microbiology techniques

-Experience in working with bacteriophages

-Familiarity with recombinant DNA technology

-Background understanding of molecular biology, biochemistry and genetics

-Proficiency in spoken and written English.

We will place great emphasis on personal qualities the position requires capacity to solve problems, good analytic skills and collaboration skills

Expertise: Desirable

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

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

How to apply

Include the following documents in your application:

1. A cover letter (maximum 1 page) with the following sections:
2. i) Motivation: Explain your interest in the project, motivation for applying, and what you hope to learn
3. ii) 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.
4. A CV (maximum 2 pages) with contact details of two referees
5. Bachelors and Masters certificates.

For more information contact Vasili Hauryliuk vasili.hauryliuk@med.lu.se or Marcus Johansson marcus.johansson@med.lu.se.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

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§.