Anslaget vid Stockholms unversitet
2013-10-20
Dnr SU FV-4.2.3-2993-13
Dok nr 1
PhD position in biochemistry
at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Reference number SU FV-2993-13.
Deadline for application: November 20, 2013.
Project leader: Mikael Oliveberg (mikael.oliveberg@dbb.su.se),
http://www.dbb.su.se/en/?p=researchgroup&id=104
Project title: Protein-misfolding disease
Disturbances of the interplay between the cellular house-keeping machinery and their client
proteins stand out as the primary cause of our most common aging diseases, e.g. Alzheimer’s
disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The unifying
mechanism of these diseases is that some proteins escape the cellular control, start to
aggregate and become toxic to the neurons. Yet, surprisingly little is known about how the
cells maintain correct protein structure and function, and why they sometimes fail. The
reason for this is mainly technical: it has posed a continuous challenge to study proteins ‘at
work’ inside living cells.
Just recently, however, we have been able to obtain atomic-resolution NMR data of the ALSprovoking protein SOD1 inside human cells, and these data are of unprecedented quality and
dynamic resolution. We are now extending this study to find out how SOD1 aggregates and
becomes cytotoxic during ALS. The project is inter-disciplinary and involves NMR1, protein
engineering/physical chemistry2 3, cell biology and transgenic model organisms4.
1
Inomata, K. et al. High-resolution multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy of proteins
in human cells. Nature 458, 106-109, (2009).
2
Nordlund, A. et al. Functional features cause misfolding of the ALS-provoking
enzyme SOD1. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 106, 9667-9672 (2009).
3
Lang, L., Kurnik, M., Danielsson, J. & Oliveberg, M. Fibrillation precursor of
superoxide dismutase 1 revealed by gradual tuning of the protein-folding equilibrium.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, doi:1201795109 [pii](2012).
4
Zetterstrom, P. et al. Soluble misfolded subfractions of mutant superoxide dismutase1s are enriched in spinal cords throughout life in murine ALS models. Proc Natl Acad
Sci U S A 104, 14157-14162 (2007).
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 around 200 people are working at the
Department of which 90 are PhD students engaged in internationally highly recognized research
covering a broad range of subjects. The Department is also deeply involved in teaching, with courses
at all undergraduate levels, including a wide range of Master courses. A close link between the
undergraduate program and the research projects has since long been a tradition and a trademark of
the Department. Three centers are linked to the Department: Stockholm Center for Biomembrane
Research, Science for Life Laboratory and Stockholm Bioinformatics Centre.
Stockholms universitet
106 91 Stockholm
2(3)
More than 20 research groups are active at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 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 on biological membranes,
where many groups working within this area are part of the Center for Biomembrane Research, which
is hosted by the department. Also the Stockholm Bioinformatics Centre and the Science for Life
Laboratory are 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. Some specific
topics that are addressed include membrane protein biogenesis, membrane protein topology &
assembly, mitochondria & chloroplasts, protein structure & function, protein folding & trafficking,
lipid biosynthesis & function, energy conversion, DNA-RNA-PNA interactions, biological nitrogen
fixation, viral membrane glycoproteins, protein structure & disease, bioinformatics, computational
structural biology and development of theoretical tools. The experimental studies are performed in
different organisms and are also combined with the use of a wide range of advanced biochemical and
biophysical techniques. For more information about the department, see www.dbb.su.se.
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.
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
Economic support is guaranteed during the agreed time in the individual study syllabus (study plan)
for the PhD studies, totally for a maximum of four years. The department may request that the
graduate student takes part in teaching or other departmental work in an activity additional to the
graduate studies for up to 20% of full work time. 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).
3(3)
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8162000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO), telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.
Further information on the web:
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics: www.dbb.su.se
Stockholm University: www.su.se/english
Faculty of Science: www.science.su.se/english
The handbook for postgraduate students: www.doktorandhandboken.nu/english
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.
In order to apply for this position, please use the Stockholm University web-based application form
(where it is possible to select language): To the application form for this position.
Welcome with your application no later than November 20, 2013.