Saturday, June 20, 2009

PhD Scholarship in Biological Inorganic Chemistry, Australia

Two studentships are available for study of metal-transporting membrane proteins in Prof. Tony Wedd's laboratory at the Bio21 Institute and School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne. The proteins are produced via cell-free expression and the aim is to understand their function at the molecular level. The projects involve close collaboration with Prof. Volker Dötsch and Dr Frank Bernhard at the Institute of Biophysical Chemistry of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe -University Frankfurt on Main, Germany and the successful applicants will be based in Frankfurt for defined periods.

The University of Melbourne has been ranked amongst the top 20 universities worldwide. The Bio21 Institute is a new multidisciplinary research centre specialising in health-related biotechnology. It is equipped with modern chemistry and biochemistry laboratories including state of the art research platforms (see www.bio21.unimelb.edu.au).

The Melbourne and Frankfurt laboratories specialise, respectively, in the study of metalloproteins and enzymes and in cell free expression systems for membrane proteins (click here or here). The positions offer opportunities to start a career in an area of increasing importance in biological research.

The trace metals are essential to life and the secrets of their catalytic and structural roles are under intensive scrutiny as errors in these pathways cause disease. Suitable candidates should hold a Masters Degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or Biochemistry with at least 85% Final Weighted Average Grade or equivalent. Successful applicants will be excellent team players. An understanding of the importance of the nutrient metals in biology (trace metals), molecular biology (cloning, PCR, mutagenesis) and protein chemistry (purification, analysis) as well as basic computer skills would be an asset and previous experience in these areas, although not essential, would be an advantage. Starting date is flexible.

To apply please send a cover letter, CV and contact details for two referees to Prof. Anthony Wedd at agw@unimelb.edu.au. If your application satisfies our requirements, we will support your scholarship (currently $A 26,000 pa) application to the University of Melbourne.

Contact address :
Anthony G. Wedd
Professor of Chemistry
School of Chemistry and Bio21 Research Institute
The University of Melbourne
Parkville,Victoria 3010 Australia.
Ph: +61 3 8344 2383
Fax: +61 3 9347 5180
Mobile: 0425 831 954
Email: agw@unimelb.edu.au

0 comments: