3 Year PhD Position available at the Univserity of Vienna #DNPNMR

Published: Sunday, 24 October 2021 - 00:10 UTC

Author: Thorsten Maly

Dissolution DNP for biomolecular applications

The NMR / DNP group of the university Vienna (www.Vienna-DNP.at) is looking for a highly motivated student to carry out a PhD thesis project centered around novel (hyperpolarization) tools based on NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of protein and DNA interactions.

Our lab is working on combining dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DDNP) [1], a technique to improve signal intensities in NMR spectra, with time-resolved detection of biomolecular NMR spectra on milliseconds to minutes time-scales. Our lab is equipped with 7 state-of-the-art NMR devices and integrated in a fully equipped biochemistry facility.

The project is centered around the interactions of intrinsically disordered proteins with proto-oncogenic factors that play a role in the development of breast cancer and aims at development of time-resolved models that describe the protein-protein binding events at an atomistic level of resolution to obtain a better understanding of the biological function of these interactions. In other words, an idea shell be developed of how protein-protein interactions proceed with time and of how individual atoms act at different points in time.

The interdisciplinary PhD project combines biochemical and biophysical research of medicinal and societal relevance with cutting-edge instrumentational and methodological developments of the NMR technology.

The successful candidate holds a relevant degree in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or a similar field. She/he will work on the development of NMR techniques such as ultrafast measurements in combination with signal-improved NMR to characterize the interaction of a well-established protein system (the breast-cancer related BRCA1 and the transcription factor system MYC and MAX [2]). These experiments allow to determine the state of a protein in less than 1 s, which will eventually allow one to develop a model of the binding event of BRCA1 to MYC and MAX. Finally, such a model can be useful to understand how mutations of BRCA1 interrupt the interaction with MYC and MAX and how these mutations are involved in the development of breast cancer. The University of Vienna aims at increasing the employment of women in both managing and academic positions and therefore invites applications from qualified female candidates.

If you are interested in this project please send a CV, a letter of motivation and two references to dennis.kurzbach@univie.ac.at.

The university of Vienna offers

  • a dynamic research location with well-established research funding provisions
  • attractive working conditions in a city with a high quality of life
  • comprehensive advice and support in relation to finding an accommodation, change of schools and dual career
  • a wide range of support services offered by central service institutions

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