PhD Position in Chemical Biology: The Doctoral School of Life and Health Sciences at Université de Rennes, France, is offering a fully funded PhD position in Chemical Biology. The project, financed by a ‘Contrat doctoral ordinaire (CDO) and the ANR grant INSPIRE,’ focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of receptor kinase signaling associated with human health and diseases. The research involves utilizing DNA structures for tunable spatiotemporal control over receptor kinase assemblies.
PhD Position in Chemical Biology – Unraveling Receptor Kinase Assemblies through DNA Structures
Study Area: Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Macromolecular complexes, DNA origami, Synthetic platforms, Endoplasmic Reticulum stress, Unfolded protein response.
Location: Inserm U1242, PROSAC team, Rennes, France (https://oss-clcc-rennes.com)
Eligibility/Qualification: We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a degree in chemical biology, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, or related fields. The candidate should have a strong background and skills relevant to the project’s objectives.
Description: The project is part of the ANR-funded INSPIRE program, aiming to decipher the molecular mechanisms of IRE1 activation. The focus is on using DNA structures, such as DNA origami, to control the nanoscale organization of IRE1 complexes. The goal is to identify and characterize these complexes, shedding light on the activation and catalytic functions of IRE1.
How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their applications by April 15. Applications must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and contact information for two referees. For detailed application instructions, please visit https://oss-clcc-rennes.com/PhD-Application.
Last Date: Application deadline: April 15, 2024
Salary: Approximately €2100 gross, €1750 net after taxes.
Directors of Thesis: Dr. Xavier Guillory & Dr. Eric Chevet
Keywords: Chemical Biology, Structural Biology, Macromolecular complexes, DNA origami, Synthetic platforms, Endoplasmic Reticulum stress, Unfolded protein response.
Mission: The mission involves unraveling the molecular mechanisms of receptor kinase signaling associated with human health and diseases. The candidate will contribute to the broader understanding of cellular stress and the unfolded protein response, with a focus on IRE1 activation and its implications in disease development.
PhD Project: The project encompasses the use of a programmable synthetic platform based on DNA structures to control the nanoscale organization of IRE1 complexes. Activities include molecular biology, protein expression, engineering, purification, and structural characterization using techniques such as CryoEM.
Main Activities:
- Molecular biology (design and conception of plasmids for protein expression).
- Protein expression in prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (insect and human) cells.
- Protein engineering, bioconjugation, purification (affinity & SEC).
- Structural characterization of protein-DNA conjugates (AFM, CryoEM).
- Functional and biophysical characterization in vitro of enzymatic activities (kinase & RNase), substrate specificity (RT-qPCR), protein-protein interactions (ITC, fluorescent spectroscopy, SPR, BL, and others).
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