Open Ph.D. Student Position in Chemical Biology of Natural Products Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku

The position funded by the Academy of Finland is available in the Antibiotic Biosynthetic Enzymes research group (ABE) at the University of Turku, Finland. The ABE group is interested in understanding the biological basis of how soil-dwelling Streptomyces bacteria are able to produce a wealth of natural products, many of which are important in medical applications. The founding idea is that novel compounds with improved pharmaceutical activities can be engineered by obtaining detailed knowledge about the biosynthetic pathways. We aim to use protein engineering to change the substrate specificities of target enzymes based on structural studies that have revealed key amino acid residues and introduce novel functionalities to these enzymes.

The successful applicant will be introduced to a highly multidisciplinary research team, where we routinely utilize a combination of techniques ranging from advanced molecular genetic methods (genome sequencing, cloning of gene clusters, gene knock-outs etc.), to production and characterization of biosynthetic enzymes (protein purification, X-ray crystallography) and to natural product chemistry (MS and NMR spectroscopy). To date, the group has sequence five genomes, cloned six biosynthetic pathways, and determined the structures of numerous novel natural products and enzymes. The protein crystallography studies have been conducted together with a group from Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

The applicants should hold a M.Sc. degree in a relevant field. Experience in molecular biology is beneficial as the project starts by cloning chimeric genes that encode segments of several structurally related but functionally distinct parental proteins. Knowledge about various protein chemistry techniques is considered as a bonus, since the chimeric enzymes will be experimentally characterized once construction of the library is finished. Finally, applications from candidates with a strong background in chemistry are also considered.

Applications (including a short description of research interests and experience, CV, and names of two referees) and inquiries should be sent by e-mail to mikko.metsaketela(at)utu.fi.

Applications will be considered until 31.8.2015 or until suitable candidates have been found. The position will be filled from January 2016.