PhD Position in Pharmacognosy

At the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Division of Pharmacognosy. Starting date: February 2010, or as agreed.
The open position is placed within the Cyclotide group at the Division of Pharmacognosy. The overall goal of our research is to explore the possibilities to capitalize on the extraordinary stable scaffold of the circular plant proteins called cyclotides, for engineering and production of pharmaceutical and agricultural agents. In particular potential medical applications of cyclotides, i.e. as anti-cancer and antimicrobial agents, and cyclotide biosynthesis are addressed. Specifically, today we focus our efforts to determine the structural plasticity of the cyclotide scaffold, by studies of natural occurrence and native structures; determine the biosynthetic pathway of cyclotides, by studies of the plant genome, the processing of the cyclotide precursor and cyclotide oxidative folding; and to establish cyclotide structure activity relationships, by assays of native cyclotides and synthetic mutants.
Our group offers of stimulating and productive environment, with good support financially and a well established scientific network nationally and internationally.
Suitable candidates may have a degree in Pharmacy, Science, Biotechnology or similar, with good knowledge in chemistry and biology. The project is multidisciplinary, and involves methods from the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology and analytical chemistry (e.g. peptide synthesis and purification, HPLC, MS, NMR, bioassays, genetic analysis and protein expression). Previous experiences of such methods and techniques may be of advantage. The applicant should have a strong interest for research and research methodology, have good communication skills, and be able to work in a team.
The holderof a PhD-student position shall primarily devote her/his time to research studies (equivalent to 4 years full time research studies). Other departmental work, such as educational or administrative services can be part of the position (max 20 %). The applicant must be eligible for PhD studies. Priority is given to those who are deemed to show the greatest aptitude for a successful completion of graduate studies. The rules governing this process can be found in Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen) 5 kap §§ 1-7.
Local guidelines at Uppsala University determine the salary.
The application shall consist of a short letter (no more than two pages) containing a brief description of yourself, your experiences and research interests, and the personal goals of your PhD studies; CV, copies of exams and list of courses including the grades obtained, a copy of the Bachelor/Master thesis (or a draft thereof), as well as name, address and email of two persons that can be used as references. The application may be written in Swedish or English.
More information can be obtained from Ulf Göransson, ulf.goransson@fkog.uu.se, 018-4715031; and at the following homepage: http://fkogserver.bmc.uu.se/research/cyclotides/indexcyclotides.htm
Union representatives are Anders Grundström, Saco-rådet, phone number +46-18-471 53 80, Carin Söderhäll, TCO/ST, phone number +4618-471 19 96, Stefan Djurström, Seko, phone number +46-18-471 33 15.
The application should be sent , preferrably by e-mail to: registrator@uu.se, or by fax + 46 18 471 2000, or by mail to: Registrar´s Office, Uppsala University, Box 256, SE-751 05 UPPSALA, Sweden. In any correspondence, please use the reference number UFV-PA 2009/2984. Application deadline on 29 December, 2009.