PhD Position – Drug Discovery: The INi1 National Science Centre Poland, in collaboration with DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), GACR (Czech Science Foundation), and international partners, is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate for a PhD position. The research will focus on characterizing a unique mRNA decapping enzyme in Trypanosoma brucei, a parasite responsible for sleeping sickness. The project aims to develop specific inhibitors for this enzyme to advance drug discovery, chemical biology, and biotechnology applications.
Designation: PhD Researcher
Research Area: mRNA Decapping Enzyme, Trypanosomatid Infectious Disease, Drug Discovery, Chemical Biology, Biotechnology
Location: Wurzburg University, in collaboration with Warsaw University and Biocev in Prague
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology)
- Fluent in English language
- Highly motivated and open-minded
- Knowledge in molecular and cellular biology techniques is advantageous but can be acquired during the PhD
Job Description:
PhD Position – Targeting mRNA Decapping Enzyme for Trypanosomatid Infectious Disease Drug Discovery
The successful candidate will join an international research team led by Susanne Kramer at Wurzburg University. The project aims to:
- Characterize a novel mRNA decapping enzyme, ALPH1, in Trypanosoma brucei.
- Identify and characterize ALPH1-specific inhibitors to understand the unique decapping mechanism.
- Develop potential drug candidates to combat African Sleeping Sickness, Leishmaniases, Chagas disease, and related animal diseases.
- Explore biotechnology applications of ALPH1, including the production of diphosphorylated mRNAs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct laboratory experiments related to mRNA decapping enzyme research.
- Collaborate with international partners to achieve project objectives.
- Participate in compound library screens and validation of hit compounds.
- Contribute to structural characterizations of ALPH1 with bound inhibitors.
- Work towards the development of research tools and preclinical candidate drugs.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by sending their application via email to susanne.kramer@uni-wuerzburg.de. Please include the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter expressing your motivation and qualifications
- Contact information for at least two academic or professional references
Last Date for Application: Applications will be accepted until position filled.
For more information about the research project and the Kramer Lab, visit https://www.biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de/zeb/research/groups/kramer-lab/.
Join us in this exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in infectious disease drug discovery and biotechnology applications!
