One PhD position at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Reference number SU FV-0341-15.
Deadline for application: February 23, 2015
Anslaget vid Stockholms unversitet
2015-02-02
Dnr SU FV-4.2.3-0341-15
Dok nr 1
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is mainly located with the other Departments of
Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Presently more than 200 people are working at the department of which around 80 are PhD students engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects. The research projects span across a broad range of topics covering various aspects of structure and function of biological systems. A majority of these topics are centered around biological membranes, where many groups working within this area are part of the Center for Biomembrane Research, which is hosted by the department. The Science for Life
Laboratory is also closely linked to the department. The combination of the highly interdisciplinary expertise and research projects at the department is unique in Sweden and also at an international level. This expertise ranges across cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and theory. For more information about the department, see www.dbb.su.se
.
Project title: Developing vaccines using an autotransporter approach
Contact: Jan-Willem de Gier, degier@dbb.su.se, +46-8-162420, http://www.dbb.su.se/en/?p=researchgroup&id=34
Recently, we have engineered the Escherichia coli autotransporter Hemoglobin protease (Hbp) into a platform for the efficient surface display of heterologous proteins in Gram-negative bacteria. This platform holds great promise for the development of safe and cost-effective vaccines with optimal intrinsic adjuvant activity and exposure of heterologous antigens to the immune system. We have shown that our Hbp-based platform is compatible with the following delivery systems; whole cells, outer membrane vesicles and bacterial ghost, and can efficiently elicit immune responses. Aim of this project is to further optimize surface display of heterologous proteins using the Hbp-based platform in E. coli and
Salmonella . A host of different techniques and approaches will be used; e.g
., genetics, molecular biology, flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, proteomics and whole genome sequencing. The project will be carried within an Innovative Training Network supported by the European Union. Therefore, potential candidates must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Sweden for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to his/her recruitment and have no more than 4 years of research experience.
- Hjelm et al . Appl Environ Microbiol. 2015 Jan 15;81(2):726-35.
- Daleke-Schermerhorn et al . Appl Environ Microbiol. 2014 Sep;80(18):5854-65.
- Jong et al . Microb Cell Fact. 2012 Jun 18;11:85.
Background in molecular biology/biochemistry/microbiology/bioengineering.
Include a short motivation, a CV (plus diplomas and certificates/date when you expect to finish your studies), and the contact details of at least 2 references in your application. Please, send your application also directly to: degier@dbb.su.se
.
Stockholms universitet
106 91 Stockholm

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Requirements
To be accepted as a PhD student, credits corresponding to four years of full-time studies at the undergraduate level are required, including credits corresponding to at least two years of fulltime studies in chemistry, life sciences or physics, depending on the program. The credits should include courses at the advanced level (second cycle) corresponding to one year and of these one semester should be a degree thesis. In order to facilitate the evaluation of merits and suitability for the PhD studies the curriculum vitae (CV) should contain information about the extent and focus of the academic studies. The quantity (as part of an academic year) and the quality mark of courses in chemistry and physics are of particular interest. The title, number of credits and the length in full-time months of undergraduate thesis and project work, should be specified.
Selection
The selection among applicants will be based on the assessment of their capacity to successfully complete the PhD program. In practical terms, this means that the study merits will be the main selection criterion. The local study merits, such as passed advanced courses or project work at the department, will be given a relatively high weight. Equal opportunity aspects between men and women will be given a certain weight.
Terms of employment
A PhD education at Stockholm University is four years (48 months). The four-year PhD program includes at least three years of research and at most one year of course work. The position may be extended by up to one year if up to 20% teaching assistance or administration is included in the contract. During the beginning of the PhD education, the student receives a study grant
("utbildningsbidrag"), and after at most one year she/he acquires a PhD studentship
("doktorandanställning"). From July 1 st , 2015 employment will be the only option.
The PhD positions are open for international students on equal terms. No tuition fee is charged.
Stockholm University strives to be a work place that is free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
More information
More information about the project can be provided by the project leader. General information about the application procedure can be provided by Haidi Astlind ( haidi@dbb.su.se
). General information about the PhD training program may be requested from the director of graduate studies, Stefan
Nordlund ( stefan@dbb.su.se
) or from Lena Mäler, Head of Department ( prefekt ) ( lenam@dbb.su.se
).
Faculty of Science: www.science.su.se/english
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8-
162000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.
Application
The application should contain a personal letter (a letter of intent explaining why you are interested in the specific project, why you are interested in studying for a PhD, what you hope to accomplish during your PhD studies, and what skills you can bring to this project), a curriculum vitae, a list of two persons who may act as referees (with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records, and a copy of your undergraduate thesis and articles, if any.

The application, labelled with Ref. No. SU FV-0341-15, should be sent no later than February
23, 2015 by email to registrator@su.se
. Please note that the reference number should be stated in the subject line of your email.
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