Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from August 2024 or later.
Title:
Co-transcriptional RNA folding and fluorescent aptamers
Research area and project description:
The single molecule biophysics and chemistry group studies nucleic acid folding and interaction with proteins in different biological processes and for nanotechnology applications.
The PhD project will be concerned with how RNA molecules fold during synthesis (co-transcriptional folding). Co-transcriptional folding is a kinetic non-equilibrium process important in Nature and harnessed for making RNA origami structures. To quantify the folding process, we will use rational design of RNA folding pathways in RNA origami structures and fluorescent aptamers, such as Spinach and Pepper, that are bright and can be co-transcriptionally expressed at chosen places in medium to large RNA structures.
The project will use a range of tools from RNA structures design, biochemical and biophysical sample characterization and fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. In particular, we will use and develop FRET methods to quantify RNA origami folding.
This PhD project is part of the larger COFOLD interdisciplinary research project concerned with co-transcriptional folding: inano.au.dk/about/research-centers-and-projects/cofold.
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Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position must have a relevant Master’s degree in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Physics, Molecular Biology or equivalent. Candidates with competences in nucleic acids folding and single molecule fluorescence microscopy will be preferred
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Gustav Wieds Vej, 8000 Aarhus, Denmark.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact: Associate Professor Victoria Birkedal, vicb@inano.au.dk
How to apply:
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see the Application guide. Please read the Application guide thoroughly before applying.
When ready to apply, go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ (Note, the online application system opens 1 March 2024)
Please note:
At the Faculty of Natural Science at Aarhus University, we strive to support our scientific staff in their career development. We focus on competency development and career clarification and want to make your opportunities transparent. On our website, you can find information on all types of scientific positions, as well as the entry criteria we use when assessing candidates. You can also read more about how we can assist you in your career planning and development.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background.
