PhD position forDirected immobilization of synthetic lectins on solid surfaces

The project ‘ESR10: Lectin attachment on surfaces by bioconjugation at non-canonical amino acids’ is part of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network synBIOcarb "Synthetic biology of carbohydrate-binding proteins: engineering protein-carbohydrate interactions for diagnostics and cell targeting" (grant agreement nº: 814029; https://synbiocarb.science). It revolves around the site-selective functionalization of lectins with non-canonical amino acids containing reactive handles for their directed attachment to solid surfaces.

Your tasks
• state-of-the-art molecular biology, synthetic biology techniques, e.g., Gibson cloning
• protein expression in E. coli using cutting-edge expression systems
• expansion of the genetic code with non-canonical amino acids
• protein purification using state-of-the-art chromatography equipment
• bioorthogonal conjugation chemistry for protein functionalization
• participation in the network’s training activities and work placements, oral & written presentation of results
• active contribution to the publication process of the results in peer-reviewed journals

Your profile
The ideal candidate holds a degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or biotechnology and has very good theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular biology methods, bioinformatics (database search, sequence analysis, vector design), as well as microbiological techniques and protein biochemistry. Interest in synthetic biology is essential, hands-on experience, e.g., in an iGEM project or similar is a plus. We expect you to be enthusiastic to reach ambitious goals, to learn new techniques and to present your results in oral and written form. Successful candidates are eager to participate in the network’s training activities and work placements at the laboratories of the synBIOcarb academic and industrial teams. Excellent skills in spoken and written English and the ability to work in an international team are essential.

How to apply
Applicants should meet the following eligibility criteria: You have less than 4 years research experience at the signature of the contract (measured from the time the Master’s degree has been obtained). You do not have a PhD already. You have not resided or carried out main activity in Austria for more than 12 months in the last 3 years immediately prior to the reference recruitment date.
If you feel addressed, please submit your expressive letter of application together with a detailed CV, your Master’s certificate (or equivalent), and three letters of reference (or contact details of three referees) via our application portal application.acib.at (reference nº 09_2018 ESR10).

https://filemaker.acib.at/fmi/webd/mailbox?homeurl=about:blank&script=execapp

Project start: April 1st, 2019

Application deadline: January 14, 2019

The ESR will be contractually employed by ACIB GmbH and will be covered under the social security scheme. He or she will receive a Monthly Living Allowance plus a Mobility Allowance compliant with the applicable EC Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-ITN general conditions.

Career stage: Early stage researcher or 0-4 yrs (Postgraduate); Research Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)