PhD position in evolution and structural bioinformatics of human gut proteins
Start date is by mutual arrangement, with the possibility to start immediately
How does life emerge from molecules and cells? This is the central question that motivates us. With curiosity and passion, we investigate this question accros scale ranging from the atoms to multicellular organisms. The Biozentrum of the University of Basel is one of the world's leading life sciences institutes. With 32 groups and 500 employees, we are a dynamic and international research community that has spawned many fundamental discoveries in biology and medicine as well as several Nobel Laureates. Become part of our vibrant research community!
In Prof. Torsten Schwede's group, we use computational methods to model protein structures, analyse protein-ligand interactions, explore the effects of mutations on protein structure and function, and classify protein families on a large-scale. We also explore artificial intelligence to characterise the dark proteome and pioneer automated methods for uncovering unknown protein functions.
Within the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, we develop SWISS-MODEL (https://swissmodel.expasy.org), a widely used web-based platform for generating high-accuracy 3D models of protein structures and complexes for application in life sciences. We also develop the Protein Universe Atlas, a web resource designed to streamline the navigation through the extensive wealth of publicly available protein sequence and structure information.
Your position
Microbiotic proteins that are unique to the human gut can impact human health. The successful PhD candidate will develop a gut microbiome atlas to discover novel proteins and predict their macromolecular function and interactions using cutting-edge computational techniques. The research will involve an in-depth study of the evolutionary origin and biochemical pathways that underpin the unique role of these proteins in the human gut, using protein evolution and structural bioinformatics approaches. The generated hypotheses will guide subsequent experimental validation.
The research is integral to the newly established Protein Universe Atlas project, involving active collaboration with computational and experimental groups, primarily with Dr. Tomasz Kosciółek at Sano Centre for Computational Personalized Medicine in Kraków, Poland.
Your profile
We offer you
The successful applicant will conduct cutting-edge research using state-of-the-art infrastructure in the Biozentrum, which offers a highly diverse, interdisciplinary, collaborative and stimulating research environment. Salary and benefits are according to University of Basel standards.
Basel is a cosmopolitan and multicultural city at the heart of Europe. Bordering three countries, Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel provides a high standard of living with a thriving cultural atmosphere. The Basel area is Europe's most important Life Science hub with many small and medium-size biotech companies as well as global pharmaceutical players.
Application / Contact
Please apply online https://biped2.biozentrum.unibas.ch/apply/phd-student-position-schwede-lab and provide a motivation statement that describes how your background and scientific interests match the criteria for this position, CV, and contact information for two references.
Review of applications will begin immediately and proceed until the position has been filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.
For any informal enquiries, please contact Dr. Joana Pereira, e-mail: joana.pereira@unibas.ch
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