Three PhD scholarships - Ion Transport Proteins in Control of Cancer Cell Behavior (IonTraC)
IonTraC is a Marie Curie Initial Training Network and a special focus will be on pancreatic cancer. The IonTraC group is a European research consortium funded within the Marie Curie Initial Training Network action. It is composed of 11 research units (9 academic and 2 industrial/SME partners) with long-standing, complementary expertise in transport physiology, biophysics, pathology, cell biology, pharmacology, optical imaging, experimental and clinical oncology. The overall aim of the IonTraC project is to comprehensively test the hypotheses that proteins involved in ion transport constitute novel diagnostic/therapeutic targets for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). IonTraC will provide structured PhD program with extensive focus on mobility and collaboration. The three PhD positions (each 3 years of duration) are affiliated with sections of Molecular Integrative Physiology and Cell and Developmental Biology at the Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, and groups lead by Ivana Novak, Stine F. Pedersen and Else K. Hoffmann.
PROJECT 1 is pH regulatory transporters in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The aim is to elucidate the roles in PDAC of the potent H+ and HCO3- transporters highly expressed in pancreatic ducts such as H+-ATPases, Na+/H+ exchangers and Na+-HCO3- cotransporters. Their function in PDAC progression will be studied in relation to the micro-environment defined by hypoxia, low pHe, low glucose, low serum, high lactate. The PhD student will use advanced cell culture techniques, cell and molecular biological techniques and advanced bioimaging. Starting in May 2012.
PROJECT 2 is Cl- and K+ channels in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma growth and chemotherapy resistance. The aim of this project is to elucidate the roles of Cl- channels (specifically cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, CFTR, and Ca2+ activated Cl- channels of the TMEM16 family) and TASK-2 K+ channels in PDAC. Particular focus will be on the roles of these channels in cell death/survival and proliferation balance as well as on their role in chemo-resistance. The student will use the techniques outlined in the above project as well as patch-clamp techniques. Starting in May 2012.
PROJECT 3 is pH dependence of ion channels involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression. This project will explore the influence of an altered pH homeostasis on the functional properties of ion channels involved in PDAC progression. The project thereby constitutes the bridge between projects focusing on pH regulatory transport proteins and those centered on ion channels. To this end the PhD will use all available ion channel technologies, including cell culture, advanced bioimaging, including high-throughput techniques, and automated whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. Starting in September 2012.
ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN A MARIE CURIE INITIAL TRAINING NETWORK: Applicants for PhDs must be in the first 4 years after obtaining their Master´s degree (see above). Furthermore, at the time of selection by the host organization, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Denmark for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Excellent command of spoken and written English, communication skills, mobility and team spirit are essential.
We are seeking highly motivated individuals with MSc degrees majoring in cell biology, physiology, molecular biology, biotechnology or equivalent. Solid previous experience with molecular and cell biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture, real time PCR, PCR western blotting, siRNA transfection, cloning, and immunostaining is a requirement. Furthermore, previous experience in either cancer biology, fluorescence microscopy, or electrophysiology is strongly advantageous.
An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications. The final selection of three successful candidates will be made by Head of Department, based on the recommendations of the evaluation committee. The successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as PhD student at the PhD school of Science, University of Copenhagen.
Terms of appointment and payment are in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC). The starting salary for candidates with an MSc degree will be a minimum of DKK 300.175 per year (April 2011 level) plus pension contribution DKK 41.460. Moreover, the salary of the candidate will be in accordance with the rules and regulations laid down in the Marie Curie Grant Agreement.
The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the diversity of society and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.
Applicants are requested to submit their applications by filling in relevant parts of the form titled "Application for PhD scholarship and enrolment to the PhD School" available at http://www.science.ku.dk/phd/staff/forms/applying_forms/Application_for_scholarship_and_admission_031011.doc/
The form, together with appendices requested in the form, including a motivating cover letter should be submitted as a single PDF file to job3@bio.ku.dk. Please include in the subject field "your name - project 1, 2 or 3" to indicate which project you apply for. In addition a signed hardcopy of the application must also be posted to "Ivana Novak", Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, August Krogh Building, Universitetsparken 13, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
The deadline for applications is March 7, 2012 at 12:00 noon Danish local time.
Applications received after the deadline, or with insufficient documentation or otherwise not complying with the above requirements, may not be considered. It is expected that the successful candidates will be enrolled at the PhD School of the Faculty of Science in May (project 1 and 2) and September (project 3) 2012.
More information about the PhD program can be found at IonTraC homepage (http://www.iontrac.uni-muenster.de/ )
Deadline: 07-03-2012
No comments:
Post a Comment