PhD fellowship in GPCR mechanosensing

PhD Project in quantitative imaging of GPCR mechanosensation

Department of Chemistry
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen



We are looking for a highly motivated candidate for a PhD position to commence on 1 Februay 2025 or as soon as possible after that.
Department of Chemistry invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in quantitative imaging of GPCR signaling to investigate GPCR mechanosensing. The project is part of a larger cross-institutional synergy project “GPCRmec: Quantitative investigation of GPCR mechanosensation” financed by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, that includes close collaborations with 3 other groups from the University of Copenhagen and several international laboratories.



The project

The transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) take part in a myriad of physiological processes and are involved in numerous pathologies. This project aims to investigate the role of GPCR mechanosensation in tissue-specific GPCR pharmacology.
The project will be based on quantitative fluorescence microscopy to detect multiple signaling pathways in single living cells. It will include the establishment of novel assays for the detection of mechanosensation at the subcellular level. The project will go deep to understand which mechanisms are at play when GPCR receptors respond to mechanical stress of various kinds. A close collaboration with researchers from the Niels Bohr Institute and the Department of Biomedical Sciences will ensure access to the needed cross-disciplinarity expertise, biological material and equipment.



Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist, within the field(s) of Biophysics, Nanoscience, Molecular biochemistry, Biochemistry, Medicinal chemistry or alike, with the following competencies and experience:



Essential experience and skills:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• You are experienced in confocal imaging or other types of fluorescence imaging
• You are experienced in investigating GPCR receptor function
• You are experienced in working with mammalian cell culture
• You are experienced in working with standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. used for cloning)
• You have good communication skills and ability to work in teams with e.g. MSc and PhD students
• You have excellent English skills both written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience with image analysis procedures for quantitative microscopy
• Experience with other cell membrane manipulation techniques e.g. cell-stretcher or micropipettes
• Experience with programming (MATLAB/Phyton)
• You are experienced in working with standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. used for cloning)
• You can work independently and critically advance/drive the project and actively seek solutions to upcoming problems.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
You will join the Martinez Group in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. Our research is dedicated to the development of novel solutions to improve investigations of GPCRs. It includes fluorescence-based assays, microscopies, the development of image analysis procedures, and the use of micro and nanoscale devices.

We offer a dynamic and social work environment, where students at all levels (BSc, MSc, and PhD), postdocs, technicians and scientists from various cultures work together on a variety of interdisciplinary projects, and you will engage and collaborate with several colleagues in the group. You will furthermore benefit from fruitful interactions within the very active GPCR community of University of Copenhagen (~20 research groups), the Center of Medicinal Chemistry, and the Integrative Structural Biology at the University of Copenhagen (ISBUC)

Principal supervisor is Associate Professor Karen Martinez, Department of Chemistry.
Information on the Martinez group.
[email protected], +45.35.32.04.75



The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed for the regular programme
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. cell biophysics, fluorescence imaging and GPCR signaling. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

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Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
4. Publications list

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 5 November 2024 23:59 GMT +1

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.



Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 48.



Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.