Thanks once again to all our readers who have submitted items for inclusion in this section. Can I remind you that we advertise readers’ items at the interface of the physical and life sciences free of charge including illustrations and colour. Any contributions that might be of interest to researchers in the Chemical Biology field concerning studentships, job vacancies courses or conferences, book reviews or news items would be most welcome.
Please send to
Dr C A Rosser
Email rosserca@hotmail.co.uk
GRADUATE STUDIES IN BILBAO, SPAIN
The University of the Basque Country offers Master and PhD degrees in Molecular Biology and Biomedicine. The 1-year Master degree (60 ECTS) consists of lecture courses (30 ECTS) and a research project (30 ECTS).
No knowledge of Spanish required.
Info at: www.masterbiologiamolecular.ehu.es
PhD Supervisor: Prof R Sinkus
Dept: Division of Imaging Sciences & Biomedical Engineering, Department of Imaging Chemistry & Biology
Deadline: All year round
Affecting cancer cell motility non-invasively via focussed low frequency shear waves
The majority of cancer-related deaths are a consequence of the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumour site and subsequent outgrowth at a secondary metastatic site. Pivotal factors in this process are the microenvironment the cancer cells reside in with the various signals it provides resulting in cancer cell spread throughout the body; such signals can be of (bio) chemical or mechanical nature.
Previous work has shown that the translation of mechanical forces (stresses), displacements (shear) and deformations into biochemical signals within the cancer cells (i.e. mechanotransduction) affects their adhesion, spread and survival. The goal of this project is to study a novel route to non-invasively affect cancer cell metastasis, first in vitro and subsequently in vivo.
Link:http://www.kcl.ac.uk/health/study/studentships/div-studentships/imaging/sinkus.aspx
Contact: Gilbert.Fruhwirth@kcl.ac.uk and/or Ralph.Sinkus@kcl.ac.uk
Project: APC-Mediated Polarity in the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche
Supervisor: Dr Marc de la Roche
Dept/School/Faculty: Department of Biochemistry
The proposed research will determine the mechanisms by which cell and tissue polarity is maintained in the intestinal epithelia. Importantly, inactivation of the tumour suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) inappropriately activates the Wnt signaling pathway and its oncogenic transcriptional program. This initiates malignant transformation that leads to colorectal cancer. In addition, APC regulates microtubule-based cytoskeletal polarity. Therefore, loss of APC function compromises normal control of cellular proliferation and maintenance of cell polarity, key hallmarks of tumorigenesis. The role of APC-dependent maintenance of cell and tissue polarity in restricting tumorigenesis is a focus of our research. Previous studies have established that the APC polarity effector Macf1 is a key determinant of microtubule-based cell polarity. Our recent results indicate that Macf1 defines basal polarity in Paneth cells. These cells constitute the intestinal epithelial stem cell niche at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn where they physically sequester stem cells. We will determine the molecular basis of Macf1 regulation and localization by APC in Paneth cells. We will define how this dictates cellular polarity and the impact on tissue polarity of the intestinal epithelia. We will determine the role of APC in governing cell and tissue polarity by investigating the phenotypic consequences of APC mutation. State-of-the-art organotypic systems, will allow faithful and reproducible modelling of the intestinal epithelium and its malignantly transformed state. This system will be used to elucidate the molecular basis of polarity in Paneth cells and how this impacts on the intestinal epithelium as a whole.
Link:http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/people/uto/delaroche
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=50039&LID=250
Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
PhD Supervisor: Dr A MacDonald
Dept: Faculty of Biological Sciences
Deadline: All year round
Targeting host cell ion channels to treat virus-associated kidney transplant rejection
Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a serious, emerging complication in kidney transplant recipients. It is caused by the BK polyomavirus (BKV), which establishes a life-long infection in the kidneys. In healthy individuals, this virus is kept in check by the immune system. In kidney transplant patients, where the immune system is suppressed by therapeutics that prevent rejection, the virus can reactivate and cause disease. Prevalence of PVAN is increasing and afflicts up to 10 % of all kidney transplant patients. Crucially, ion channels are an emerging therapeutic target for many medical conditions. As such, compounds that target these channels and impede BKV may represent a novel strategy for developing therapeutics to treat PVAN.
Link:http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=41511&LID=735
http://www.fbs.leeds.ac.uk/staff/Macdonald_A/
Contact: A.Macdonald@leeds.ac.uk
PhD Supervisor: Dr P Thorpe
Dept: National Institute for Medical Research
Deadline: All year round
Characterising the mechanism of the mitotic checkpoint
This is a collaborative project, joint funded between NIMR and Imperial College London. The successful candidate will benefit from working in labs at both the NIMR and Imperial. The student will register for their degree at Imperial.
This project will involve extensive use of automated multiwell plate FLIM instrumentation and analysis of the resulting large data sets. Consequently, candidates should ideally have a physics/bioengineering degree coupled with strong analytical and computational skills. The project will also involve learning basic genetics and molecular biology. Dual-tagged yeast strains will be created by the student at NIMR using high-throughput genomics approaches. At Imperial FLIM FRET will then be used to assay for interactions within this array of dualtagged strains using an automated high-throughput approach to FRET FLIM.
Link:http://www.nimr.mrc.ac.uk/phd/projects/Characterising-the-mechanism-of-the-mitotic-checkpoint
Contact: pthorpe@nimr.mrc.ac.uk
Studentships in Synthetic Chemistry
The EPSRC CDT in Chemical Synthesis is a well-established research centre based in the School of Chemistry, University of Bristol.
Our alternative to the traditional PhD will:
Enhance your research skills through our unique initial training period
Enable you to choose your own PhD project
Encourage you to explore areas outside your comfort zone
Foster a teamwork ethos through cohort-driven research
Build personal confidence
Increase your employability by building on your transferable skills
Create links with Industry
Allow you interact with internationally renowned research
We are seeking applications from students covering the whole breadth of the Synthetic Chemistry discipline. Our research is organised into themes, and we encourage applications from students whose interests lie within these:
Metal catalysed transformations
New scaffolds for medicines and agrochemicals
Designer ligands for catalysis
Design and synthesis of new bioactive and functional molecules
Main group chemistry: from molecules to materials
Development of expedient new synthetic methodologies
Cleaner synthesis
Studentships are 4 years in duration and cover fees and maintenance.
Applications are welcomed from students with or expecting to gain a first or upper-second class honours MSci / MChem (or equivalent).
For further information visit: http://synthesiscdt.chm.bris.ac.uk/
To apply visit: http://www.bristol.ac.uk/postgraduate/apply/
Deadline: 24th Jan 2014
Postgraduate Research position
The successful applicant will work in a fast moving area of biology relevant to a major human genetic disease with clinical translational potential. There will be opportunity to train in a range of cutting edge techniques in the areas of cell biology, developmental biology and genetics, to present work at international scientific meetings and collaborate with other leading laboratories.
This project will seek to validate differentially expressed miRNAs found in human ADPKD and their functional effect on the expression of a cystic phenotype using human cell culture model system. Work using zebrafish models of disease will be conducted at the world leading MRC Centre for Developmental Biology and Genetics.
Link: http://www.shef.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/apply
E-mail: Professor Albert Ong. A.Ong@sheffield.ac.uk
Deadline: 16th Jan 2014
This Ph.D. project aims to study light-regulated motility in photosynthetic swimming microorganisms through experiments and modelling. Photosynthetic microorganisms are fundamental primary producers, at the base of major food webs (e.g. in the oceans). Many species are motile, and can move towards or away from light (phototaxis), thereby modulating their photosynthetic activity. At the same time microorganisms are also capable of biochemical photoprotection, which can in principle be used as an alternative to phototaxis. Phototaxis, photosynthesis, and photoprotection are interconnected, and can be thought of as the three main components of a -possibly complex- dynamical system whose behaviour has a profound impact on the fitness of photosynthetic microorganisms. This system has not been studied before.
The aim of this Ph.D. project is to begin exploring specific aspects of this connection quantitatively, as part of a wider, comprehensive plan to develop a realistic model of phototaxis. The student will receive training in both experimental biophysics at the cellular level (micromanipulation, video microscopy, image analysis), and cell biology with a focus on chloroplast activity.
Link: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/physics/prospective/postgraduate
Link2:http://mpolin.wordpress.com/
E-mail: m.polin@warwick.ac.uk
Application accepted all year round
Project: Investigation of polysaccharide translocation systems in Mycobacterium tuberculosis as potential novel drug targets
Supervisor: Dr L Alderwick
Dept/School/Faculty: School of Biosciences
Tuberculosis (TB) affects a third of the world’s population and causes 1.7 million deaths annually. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of TB, has a unique cell envelope which accounts for its unusual low permeability and hence contributes to resistance against common antibiotics. The main structural element consists of peptidoglycan, which is covalently attached to the arabinogalactan (AG), a complex polysaccharide that provides a molecular scaffold for long chain mycolic acids. There are certain aspects of mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis that remain fragmented, particularly those associated with the translocation of large polysaccharide structures, such as AG, across the cytoplasmic membrane. We will use Mycobacterium smegmatis and Corynebacterium glutamicum as model systems to investigate the fundamental biochemistry of mycobacterial cell wall biosynthesis and assign functions to putative cell wall processing enzymes by generating conditional gene knock out. In addition, a range of biochemical and structural biology experimental approaches will be used to investigate the molecular mechanisms of these isolated recombinant proteins. Inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis remains a proven mechanism for mycobacterial chemotherapy, and with the advent of multi-dug and extensively-drug resistant TB, there has never been a greater need to identify new novel drug targets. The project outlined above will greatly assist our understanding of how this pathogen forms its impermeable barrier and provide new possibilities for the development of new therapies.
Link:http://www.birmingham.ac.uk/postgraduate/prospectus/drp.aspx
http://www.findaphd.com/search/ProjectDetails.aspx?PJID=34967&LID=124
Deadline: Applications accepted all year round
Microfluidics Engineer (Genetic Microdevices Ltd)
Genetic Microdevices Ltd is developing an exciting high throughput protein and DNA analysis microfluidic chip based on a disruptive analytical technology. This is a position for one Microfluidics Engineer to assist the development of a clone of the technology aimed at ultra-high throughput. The position is funded by a prestigious SMART award by the Technology Strategy Board. The role of the candidate is to assist the development of the microfluidic chip and is expected to utilise their knowledge to help bring the technology ahead of its current development point.
The candidate will work in a team of five highly skilled scientists and they are expected to demonstrate team spirit and professionalism with attention to Health and Safety. The project is extremely exciting and the candidate is expected to show enthusiasm, persistence and patience with difficult technical problems that may occur.
The salary is set at a wide range between £22,000 to £38,000 per annum in recognition of the fact that the candidate may possess a wide variety of skills and experience. It is possible to offer share options for enthusiastic candidates who wish to engage in the long term with the development of the company.
Deadline: 17 Jan 2014
Link: http://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/AJZ936/microfluidics-engineer/
Contact: Dr. Dimitrios Sideris (d.sideris@genetic-microdevices.co.uk)
Research Associate
Craniofacial Development & Stem Cell Biology, King’s College London
Applications are sought for a post-doctoral research position working in the laboratory of Prof. Jeremy Green in the Department of Craniofacial Development, Guy’s Campus at King’s College London. This 3-year BBSRC-funded project is to find out how cells drive epithelial bending involved in development of teeth, hair follicles, salivary glands and other organs.
This project will use advanced microscopy and image analysis to study this important motif of development. It will involve mouse embryology, immunohistochemistry, mammalian tissue culture and advanced imaging. Suitable applicants would include those with a background in developmental or cell biology.
Fixed-term contract for 36 months. The appointment will be made on the Grade 6 scale, currently £31,331, per annum, plus £2,323 London Allowance per annum.
For an informal discussion of the post please contact Jeremy Green via email at jeremy.green@kcl.ac.uk
Further details and application packs are available on the College’s website at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs. All correspondence should clearly state the job title and reference number R6/NCC/1037/13-MM.
Post-doctoral Training Fellow - Cancer Bioinformatics
Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research
We seek a Post-doctoral Training Fellow to work on machine learning in cancer research. Our lab develops novel approaches that combine statistical modelling with pathological image analysis to generate robust and objective predictions of pathological outcome in patients. Our goals are to foster new development of statistical applications in biology and pathology, and to develop novel therapeutic strategies through working with the therapeutic unit at ICR. In particular, our lab focuses on developing image processing tools for pathological images to revolutionize the field of pathology, turning qualitative observations into quantitative measurements (Yuan et al. Sci Trans Med 2012). This allows us to then catalogue both rich ‘omics’ data and pathological features to draw on the power of both molecular and pathological diagnosis. The responsibility of this post holder is to develop machine learning methodologies for large sets of in-house data including large clinical trials.
The successful applicant will enjoy working in the interdisciplinary fields and collaborating with our internal and external biology, clinical, and pathology collaborators. The post holder will excel in coordinating between programming and exploring medical research areas through interacting with these collaborations, be a fast learner, and is motivated to explore new scientific subjects.
ICBB 2015 : XIII International Conference on Bioinformatics and Biomedicine
Zurich Switzerland
January 13–14 2015
https://www.waset.org/conference/2015/01/zurich/ICBB
2nd International Conference on Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (ICBB-2015)
Organized by: International Centre for Stem Cells, Cancer and Biotechnology (ICSCCB)
6th to 8th February 2015 Pune, Maharashtra, India
We invite undergrad & postgrad students, researchers, faculty members and Industry participants from Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Agricultural, Veterinary & related areas to participate in icbb-2015
Website:http://www.icbb.in
Contact person: Prof. Dr. Sheo Mohan Singh
February 9–13, 2015, Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Lipid homeostasis is fundamental to maintain health. Due to enormous functional and structural diversity of lipids as well as because of their complex regulation at multiple spatial and temporal scales, lipids need to be studied not only at the level of biological pathways but also at the level of the biophysical systems they are part of including cellular membranes or lipoprotein particles. From the perspective of systems biology, this adds an additional but necessary layer of complexity to the studies of lipids. This meeting will cover recent progress and perspectives in the studies of lipids as related to: 1) Cellular, as well as, systemic lipid metabolism; 2) Computational modeling of lipids; and 3) Role of lipids in the pathogenesis of several complex diseases including metabolic, immune and central nervous system disorders as well as cancer. Specifically, experts in this area will address whether alterations in lipid biology may be an important underlying pathogenic link among these disorders, which could explain the well documented metabolic co-morbidities such as between obesity and several other complex diseases. The meeting will bring together a highly interdisciplinary outstanding group of scientists including biochemists, molecular and cellular biologists, clinical researchers and computational biologists. Such a diverse setting will facilitate the cross-disciplinary interactions needed to address current key questions in lipid biology in the context of translational medicine as well as move the field of lipids forward by consolidating the use of system approaches to study their involvement in the pathogenesis of common diseases.
Link:http://www.keystonesymposia.org/index.cfm?e=Web.Meeting.Summary&meetingid=1281&subTab=summary
Abstract deadline: Nov 13, 2014
8–12 March 2015, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Welcome to Pittcon!
This global exposition gives you the opportunity to get a hands-on look at the latest laboratory instrumentation, participate in live demos and product seminars, talk with technical experts, and find solutions to all your laboratory challenges.
Who Should Attend Pittcon?
Anyone who identifies, quantifies, analyzes or tests the chemical or biological properties of compounds or molecules, or who manages these laboratory scientists.
Link:http://pittcon.org/register/
ICBMB 2015 : XIII International Conference on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
11–12 March 2015 Dubai, UAE
Conference Objectives
This conference aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and research scholars to exchange and share their experiences and research results about all aspects of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. It also provides the premier interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary forum for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns, practical challenges encountered and the solutions adopted in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Link:https://www.waset.org/conference/2015/03/dubai/ICBMB
28th March to 1st April 2015 Boston Convention and Exhibition Center
This theme is made up of four symposia, one scheduled each day of the meeting, Sun–Wed. In addition to the invited talks listed below, short talks will be selected from the submitted abstracts. Those selected for oral presentation will also present a poster. Programming notifications will be sent in mid-January.
Imaging: A Picture is Worth more than 1,000 Words
Session Chair: Neal Fedarko, Johns Hopkins Univ.
RNA: Beyond Messages and Translation (Micro and Long Noncoding RNA)
Session Chair: Carlo M. Croce, The Ohio State Univ.
Metabolism: Warburg at 90
Session Chair: Elizabeth A. Maher, UT Southwestern Med. Ctr.
Biologics: Antibodies and Antidotes
Session Chair: Muller Fabri, Univ. of Southern California
Link:http://www.asbmb.org/meeting2015/
Abstract deadline: 6th November 2014
ICCBES 2015 : XIII International Conference on Chemical, Biological and Environmental Sciences
Venice Italy April 13–14 2015
https://www.waset.org/conference/2015/04/venice/ICCBES
25-27th March 2015 John Innes Centre Norwich UK
Natural products produced predominantly by microorganisms and plants have inspired the development of many blockbuster drugs and crop protection agents. Natural Products research is strategically important to industry and society globally, and we are fortunate to have a vibrant research community engaged in this activity.
Directing Biosynthesis IV will be the fourth in a successful series of meetings. While the field is driven by genetic and associated technological advances, the fields of organic chemistry, enzymology, biochemistry and ecology will continue to make strong contributions. Chemistry remains the central focus.
Directing Biosynthesis IV will feature an opening Frontiers session as well as a Perspectives session to mark the 25th anniversary of the discovery of modular thiotemplate assembly lines for polyketide biosynthesis. A session on Synthetic Biology & Bioengineering will showcase some of the important past, current and future contributions biosynthesis is making towards these areas.
Link:http://www.rsc.org/ConferencesAndEvents/RSCConferences/DBIV/index.asp
Oral abstract deadline: 10th October 2014
Poster abstract dealine: 16th January 2014
The theme of the ICBB 2015 conference is “Biotechnology and Biodiversity: Research beyond imagination”.
Contact for further details: http://scientificfuture.com/icbb-2015/