H2020-MSCA-ITN-2017-EJD: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (European Joint Doctorate)

Grant agreement nº: 765581

PhD position in structural biologywithin carbohydrate medicinal chemistry

Project title: ESR4–Characterisation of lectins from emerging fungi and identification from fungal extracts

An Early Stage Researcher position (PhD studentship) is available for 36monthsfrom January 2018within the European Training Network PhD4GlycoDrug (

PhD4GlycoDrug is a multidisciplinary Innovative Training Network - European Joint Doctorate funded by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action. The project brings together 12 groups from academia and the private sector to address scientific challenges in discovery and development of drugs interfering with glycobiological life processes (Glyco Drugs).

The fellow will be performing her/his PhD thesis work in the Structural and Molecular Glycobiologyteam of CERMAV (CEntre de Recherche sur la MAcromoléculeVégétales) at the Université Grenoble Alpes, France under the supervision of Dr Annabelle Varrotand at the Department of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery of the University of Utrecht, The Nederland’s under the supervision of Professor Roland Pieters.

Description

The project involves the structural and biochemical characterization of lectins homologs identified in the emerging opportunistic microfungusScedosporiumapiospermum. First, targetedlectins will be cloned, expressed and purified in a recombinant form prior determination of their specificity and affinity for carbohydrates and of their 3D structure by X-ray crystallography. The second aim is to guide the design of glyco-inhibitors through the determination of the binding modes of selected carbohydrates in complex with their target proteins. Glyco-inhibitors will then be synthesised and evaluated by biophysical methods. This project also aims at the development of a glycan array for the identification of lectins from medically relevant fungal extracts.

The selected candidate will participate in the network’s training activities and work placements in the laboratories of the participating academic and industrial teams. Regular meetings and workshops within the EU-funded PhD4GlyoDrug International Training Network-European Joint Doctorate will complement the training and support provided by the host institutions.

Eligibility criteria:

Candidates should have:

  • completed their M.Sc. or equivalent and should not have acquired, more than 4 years (full-time equivalent) research experience since then.
  • completed at least 60 ECTS credit within the general subject field of the announced position:biochemistry
  • passed a course in advanced theoretical biochemistry (or equivalent)
  • passed a course in advanced practical biochemistry (or equivalent)
  • excellent knowledge of the English language (spoken and written / proficiency level)

It will be considered advantageous if the candidate has:

  • Practical experience with biochemistry, molecular biology and biophysical techniques.
  • Some synthesis skills
  • letters of recommendationfrom relevant persons/institutions
  • international experience (studying, internship or research work abroad for a period of at least 1 month)

At the time of recruitment, the successful candidate must not have been awarded the doctorate degree and must not have resided, nor carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Francefor more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the first day of employment.

Required documentation:

  • Motivation letter and Statement of purpose
  • Curriculum vitae
  • References (at least three)
  • Certificates evidencing met eligibility criteria
  • Statement evidencing met mobility criteria
  • Summary of a research article; verification of candidate skills in terms of understanding and analysing science, understanding and writing in English language (article available at: The summary should consist of 2000-2500 characters, one figure, and fully referenced.

Benefits:

Salary and other benefits are according to EU-standards for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions and national regulations. Additional benefits are foreseen in case of family allowances.

Selectionprocess

The deadline for application is 15th November 2017 and the application should reference “PhD4GlycoDrugs - EJD – ESR4”.

The applications should be sent to the , indicating the reference “PhD4GlycoDrugs - EJD – ESR4” as subject.

The results will be published at