PhD Student in Protein Design

Project Description

Research education subject: Biotechnology

At the Department of Protein Science, we develop predictable and robust techniques for the production, purification, and detection of proteins. As building blocks for new molecular functions, we use small, structurally well-characterized protein domains. The PhD project builds upon our recently developed calcium-regulated affinity proteins (CaRAs), which bind to their target proteins in the presence of calcium and release them at low calcium concentrations. By combining protein engineering with biophysical characterization, structural biology, computational modeling, and machine learning, you will investigate how the amino acid sequence and environmental conditions govern this behavior. The project unites the expertise developed in professor Sophia Hober's research group at Kungliga Tekniska högskolan (KTH) and professor Andreas Hougaard Laustsen's research group at Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU). The goal is to clarify the principles behind environment-regulated protein function and translate them into design principles to develop a new generation of smarter and more precise therapeutic proteins.

Supervision: Sophia Hober is proposed to supervise the PhD student. Decision is made upon admission.

Eligibility for admission

To be admitted to doctoral studies (chap 7 39 § of the Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility:

a master's degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at the advanced level, or knowledge acquired in any other way, within or outside the country, that is substantially equivalent.

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection

To succeed in your PhD studies at KTH, you need to be goal-oriented and persistent in your work. During the selection of applicants, the ability to:

independently drive your work forward, collaborate with others, maintain a professional approach, and analyze and work with complex issues will be assessed. Meritorious is having documented experience in protein characterization. The person we are seeking should furthermore be structured and quality-conscious. Being able to write and speak fluent English, as it is required in daily work.

After the eligibility requirements, great importance will be placed on personal qualities.

Target degree: PhD

Information about admission and employment

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as a PhD student. The total period of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral studies for four years. An employed PhD student may, to a limited extent (at most 20%), perform certain tasks within, e.g., education and administration. A new employment as a PhD student is valid for at most one year; the employment may thereafter be renewed for at most two years at a time. For studies intended to conclude with a licentiate degree, the total period of employment may not exceed what corresponds to full-time doctoral studies for two years.

As a PhD student, you will benefit from KTH's employment benefits and have a monthly salary according to KTH's agreements for PhD salaries. Read more about Research studies at KTH | KTH | Sweden.

Trade union representatives

Contact details for trade union representatives.

The Doctoral Section (Tekniska högskolans studentkår)

Contact details for the Doctoral Section.

Application

You apply via KTH's recruitment system. As an applicant, you are primarily responsible for ensuring that your application is complete when submitted.

The application shall contain the following:

Copies of degree certificates and transcripts from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages. Copies of originals must be certified. CV with relevant professional experience and knowledge. Cover letter with a concise account of why you want to pursue doctoral studies, about your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Max 2 pages) Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please attach a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

The application must reach KTH no later than the last application date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

Other information

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