ESR position 1 – Malmö University

Imprinted receptors for unstable phosphopeptide motifs and sequences


Host Institute

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Malmö University

Host Country

Sweden

Start date

November 1st 2016-February 1st 2017.

The candidate will be employed at the Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Society at Malmö University  and will be enrolled in the department PhD program under the supervision by Prof. Börje Sellergren.

Project description

Among the more than 300 different types of protein post translational modifications (PTMs) only a handful have been extensively investigated at the proteome level. Modification-specific enrichment techniques combined with advanced mass spectrometry methods and computational data analysis have revealed a surprisingly large extent of PTMs in proteins. Nevertheless, a lack of efficient affinity-based enrichment techniques causes several of the modifications to escape detection leading to an underestimate of their importance and erronous mechanistic conclusions.

In this project you will develop and probe different formats of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with affinity for various posttranslational modifications currently escaping detection. You will join the molecular imprinting team at the department to perform the design and synthetic part of the research as well as initial quality tests in house. The polymers will thereafter be passed on to academic and industrial partners with expertise in proteomics who will use them as plastic antibodies for PTM specific capture and detection.  We expect your work to result in unique affinity tools filling a gap in modification specific proteomics. The project will include secondments to University of Southern Denmark, Odense (DK), Cancer Research UK Manchester (UK), Proteome Sciences, London (UK), ReSyn Biosciences, Gauteng (South Africa) – bioanalytical techniques, biomarker assays, modification specific proteomics; Linneaus University (Sweden) and Pavia University (Italy) – theoretical modeling and characterization; University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (UK) and Federal Institute for Materials Research, BAM, Berlin (Germany) – molecular imprinting and sensor technology.  The secondments will allow you to work with and oversee the implementation of the materials and to gain insight into academic and industrial work environments.

Apart from carrying out research within these areas the applicant is expected to take responsibility for the maintenance of instruments and other routine tasks of the group as well as to supervise students at the BSc or MSc level and will have the opportunity to take part in teaching.  The candidate will be enrolled in the 4 year PhD-program at the Faculty of Health and Society and will be expected to complete a PhD including completion of local academic and network wide training requirements. The research topic is “Biomedical sciences” and the Faculty examines Doctors of Philosophy.

Group description

The imprinting group at Malmö University carries out research in the field of molecular imprinting and related supramolecular, polymer and materials chemistry.  Part of the research is focused on fluid or cell surface biomarker detection and development of proteomics, lipidomics and glycomics discovery tools with bearings on several life science applications. The research comprises host guest chemistry of imprinted receptors, and their materials chemistry, colloid and surface chemistry.

The group is part of the educational profile “Biological Interfaces” which focuses on the interplay between materials, biomolecules and cells at the molecular, nano, micro and macroscopic levels. The research at the faculty is also linked to the research programme Biofilms – Research Center for Biointerfaces, which combines research with medical, dental, food and environmental applications at three faculties, in close collaboration with regional industry.

Institute description

Malmö University offers almost 100 education programmes and 500 courses. Most of the programmes are vocational and interdisciplinary, especially our multidisciplinary research programmes. The university is committed to diversity in employment and take a critical approach to knowledge and the impact of globalisation. Malmö University has about 25 000 students and is situated in Malmö, the third largest city in Sweden and part of the “Greater Copenhagen region”, just by the sea.

Ideal candidate

The successful candidate will have a masters’ degree (or equivalent) in chemistry preferably organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, biochemistry or analytical chemistry. Experimental laboratory experience is required and candidates with experience directly related to the research topic of the position outlined above will be given preference.

Working conditions and benefits

The candidate will become an employee of the Department of Biomedical Sciences and receive a competitive monthly gross salary in accordance with the EC Marie Sklodowska-Curie rules. The contract period will last for 4 years.

How to apply

Please submit your application prior to the deadline following the instructions on the MU website: http://mah.se/ledigaanstallningar, under the Marie Curie PhD openings: REK 2.2.1-2016/148 and REK 2.2.1-2016/149.

Contact

For more information on this position, contact the hiring party: Prof. Börje Sellergren.

E-mail: borje.sellergren@mah.se
Phone: +46-703620062

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