Within the PROZYMES project, the University of Groningen is looking for 3 PhD students and 2 postdocs in biocatalysis research. PROZYMES (proline-based enzymes) is funded by a Starting Independent Researcher Grant from the European Research Council (ERC-2009-StG) and aims to develop a new class of biocatalysts for carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions to yield valuable chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Subproject: Directed evolution of tautomerases. This subproject aims to use tautomerases that show promiscuous carbon-carbon bond-forming activities (e.g., aldolase, alkylation or Michael addition activities) in directed evolution experiments to enhance their activity to a practical level. On basis of molecular modelling studies and available structures, target positions in or close to the enzyme's active site will be identified, which will be randomized by PCR methods. Subsequently, improved variants will be obtained by medium/high-throughput screening. Gene shuffling will be used to combine the best mutations and generate superior biocatalysts that rival or complement chemical and organocatalysts. The properties of the final tailor-made enzymes will be characterized in detail, including kinetic and pH studies, substrate range, product identity and chirality, potential substrate and product inhibition, and temperature stability. Crystallographic studies of the best laboratory-evolved enzymes will be carried out to establish structure-function relationships. Supervisor: Dr. G.J. Poelarends.
Description
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a Masters or equivalent degree in molecular biology or biochemistry, and with outstanding laboratory skills. You are expected to have an excellent academic record and be fluent in the English language.
Benefits
The University of Groningen offers a salary of minimal € 2,042 gross a month in the first year to maximal € 2,612 a month in the final year based on a full-time position. It is a temporary assignment for a period of 4 years. First you will get a temporary position of 1.5 years with the perspective of prolongation with another 2.5 years. After the first year, there will be an evaluation as to the feasibility of successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years. Please pronounce the names and contact information of at least two references in your curriculum vitae.
Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
P.O. Box 72
9700 AB – Groningen
NETHERLANDS
email g.lier@rug.nl
http://www.rug.nl/
Application Deadline
26/05/2010
Posts
