The Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague is offering a PhD scholarship at Tomas Obsil research group to start during autumn 2016. Project is part of the Horizon2020 (H2020) Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) “Targeted small-molecule Stabilization of Protein-Protein Interactions (TASPPI)”. Offered PhD position is for 3-4 years with very competitive salary for first three years (gross income 2,600 € per month), additional family allowance for married students, and sufficient research funds; the last (optional) year the university will cover the basic salary of ca. 500 € per month.

The application deadline is September 25th, 2016. Please send the application to the supervisor of the offered fellowship (T. Obsil: ).

Project

Aims of the PhD project are: (i) structural analysis of 14-3-3 protein complexes with protein kinases ASK1, CaMKKI and CaMKKII using chemical cross-linking, H/D exchange coupled to mass spectrometry (HDX-MS), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and protein crystallography; and (ii) identification and characterization of small molecules that stabilize these complexes. High-throughput screening, fragment-based ligand discovery, and virtual screening will be used to identify initial stabilizers. Subsequently, biophysical and structural methods will be used to characterize these molecules and their stabilizing activity towards their respective 14-3-3 complexes.

Qualifications and eligibility

Applicants from any country of the world are accepted, but good English skills are mandatory. Applicants should have a solid experience with recombinant protein expression and purification. A strong interest in Structural biology, Biophysics and/or Biochemistry is desirable. Previous experience with protein crystallography and SAXS is an advantage. A MSc or equivalent degree in a relevant field is required. Due to specific requirements of the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Program applicants should not hold PhD degree and, at the time of enrollment in the PhD program in the Czech Republic should have less than 4 years of research experience (counted as time of employment in research since receiving a degree allowing enrollment in the PhD program). Additionally, at the time of recruitment applicants must not have resided or carried out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months in the 3 years before his/her recruitment for the PhD project.

Job description

Your key tasks as a PhD student are:  – manage and carry out your research project – pass PhD courses  – write scientific articles and your PhD thesis  – participate in TASPPI ITN training events and international congresses  – stay 6 months abroad working in laboratories of industrial partners of TASPPI project

Procedures An assessment committee will be appointed to evaluate the applications, with Tomas Obsil hosting the positions being a member of this committee. The applicants will be notified of the composition of the committee, and once their applications are evaluated they will receive written feedback from the committee with the right to send additional comments. Short listed applicants will be interviewed by phone or Skype by Tomas Obsil and the final selection of the successful candidates will be made by him in collaboration with assessment committee. The main criterion for selection will be the research potential of the applicants. Successful candidates will then be requested to formally apply for enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD school at the Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague. Please contact T. Obsil () for detailed information on the PhD programme of the Charles University.

Application

Application should include:

– your letter of motivation

– CV including your e-mail address and other contact data as well as contact details of 1-3 referees who already know you as a student or employee

– list of publications including submitted or in press papers, if any

– transcript of MSc diploma or equivalent

For any questions concerning the project, TASPPI, PhD programme of the Charles University or living conditions in Prague/Czech Republic, please contact Tomas Obsil ().