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PhD Student
PhD Fellow in the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network Glycocalyx Full-time
The GLYCOCALYX Doctoral Network will train 15 PhD Fellows in the chemistry, physics, and biology methods and concepts required to understand the dynamic organisation of glycocalyces. The project will establish a new level of understanding of how glycocalyces perform their many selective barrier functions. The PhD Fellows will receive cutting-edge scientific training, alongside industry-relevant transferable skills, to equip them for careers in the medical technology sector and its underpinning research and innovations.
Virtually all mammalian cells are covered with a dense and complex coat of sugar chains (glycans) known as the glycocalyx, which is essential for multicellular life. Glycocalyces perform critical functions in intercellular communication, controlling tissue development, homeostasis, and repair, as well as inflammatory and immune responses, neuronal connectivity, and symbiosis with bacteria. However, when dysregulated, they can promote immune diseases, neurodegeneration and cancer. Glycocalyces also act as the first line of defence against pathogens, but some pathogens have evolved to hijack the glycocalyx to promote infection.
Despite their importance, mammalian glycocalyces remain the ‘dark matter’ of biology, understudied owing to the historical lack of preparative and analytical tools to probe the local molecular composition and transient interactions within glycocalyces, and to the absence of physical rules to interpret experimental observations. MSCA PhD Fellow at CIC biomaGUNE will reconstitute components of the DCs glycocalyx on a fluid lipid membrane and investigate their effect on the T-cell interaction with surface, microvilli dynamics and signaling activation.
Requirement:
Master’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry or Cell Biology
- Previous experience in protein purification is highly beneficial
- Experience in high-resolution microscopy
- Enthusiasm about interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn about new research fields
- Committed to research excellence
- Ability to solve problems creatively and carefully
- Ability to conduct independent research, as well as to work effectively as a member of a research team
- Good command of English (working language)
- Good verbal and written communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills
Application documents:
To apply, upload an updated CV and a 1-2 page research statement, including contact information of at least one reference scientist, via the official application platform at CIC biomaGUNE. Applications sent directly to the email listed above will not be accepted.