PhD fellowship in RNA Biology

PhD Project: Role of RNA capping in regulation of E. coli metabolism

Department of Biology
Faculty of SCIENCE

University of Copenhagen



Department of Biology invites applicants for a 3 year PhD fellowship in the Vinther Lab focused on the role of RNA capping in regulation of E. coli metabolism.

Start date is (expected to be) June 1st 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project
Noncanonical 5’ capping of RNA molecules with metabolites, such as NAD and FAD, has recently been observed in many organisms, but in most cases the functional consequences of the capping remains unknown. In this project, the focus will be on the 5’metabolite capping of two important E. coli non-coding RNAs, which play a central role in the regulation of cellular growth and carbon storage. The aim of the project is to characterise the metabolite RNA capping of these non-coding RNAs and its regulatory consequences. The project involves classic E. coli genetics and RNA biology methods as well as specialised sequencing based methods for the detection of RNA capping.

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for candidates with a MSc degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or similar disciplines, who are interested in RNA-based gene regulation and want to pursue a scientific career. Previous experience with the molecular biology of E. coli, RNA biology and/or sequencing-based methods will be an advantage, but is not a requirement.

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• A strong interest in RNA-based gene regulation
• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Good English language skills
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities

Our group and research- and what do we offer?
The project is a collaboration between the Svenningsen group and the Vinther Lab, which are both from the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen and located within the Copenhagen Biocenter. The Vinther Lab is interested in metabolite RNA capping and its regulatory consequences (recent publication highlight: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37407817) and the Svenningsen Group focuses on bacterial gene regulatory mechanisms (recent publication highlight: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36598190/). We offer stimulating working conditions in a creative, dynamic and international research environment and our facilities include modern laboratories and research equipment.

Labpages:
https://vintherlab.dk
https://www1.bio.ku.dk/english/research/bms/brg/sls/

Principal supervisor is Associate professor Jeppe Vinther, Department of Biology, [email protected], Direct Phone: +4522840780. Associate professor Sine Svenningsen will be co-supervisor.

The PhD programme:
A three year full-time study within the framework of the Danish regular PhD 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. Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or similar. 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.

The terms of employment and salary are in accordance to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State (AC). The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• 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

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 for the specific PhD position (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. Publication list (if possible)
5. Reference letters (if available) or contact information for two scientific references

Application deadline:
The deadline for applications is March 1st 2025, 23:59 CET.

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 11 or 12 2025.

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.