Job Description

This research focuses on the development of dynamic metabolic model for heterologous protein production by Streptomyces lividans consistent with cell metabolism but with manageable complexity to enable model-based optimization and control of the production process in bioreactors. Data and insights generated by metabolic flux analysis under steady state and dynamic conditions are exploited for model development but are also useful for improved strain engineering.

The potential of Streptomyces as an industrial host for production of heterologous proteins has been proven in the past decade. Heterologous genes are usually linked to signal peptides of strongly expressed/secreted endogenous Streptomyces proteins. Signal peptides act as address tags specifically recognizing the Sec-translocase positioned on the cell membrane. Within the secdependent secretion system, SecA (a precursor protein stimulated ATPase) is the molecular motor driving translocation. Given that the central metabolism is the most important source of energy within a cell, a proper balancing of the energy flux towards growth and maintenance processes, and towards protein secretion, plays a crucial role in optimization of protein production. By exploring two target proteins, mouse Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (mTNF) and Jonesia sp. Xyloglucanase (Xeg), we can identify generic next to protein-specific phenomena.

Aim is to unravel the impact of the bioreactor environment on the central metabolism and protein production properties of S. lividans by means of metabolic flux analysis. Knowledge will gradually be built up by analyzing metabolic fluxes under steady state and subsequently under dynamic conditions. The impact of protein synthesis and secretion on the carbon and energy metabolism and on the flux dynamics under changing process conditions can be deduced. First the published metabolic reaction network of S. coelicolor is verified for S. lividans in well-designed 13C-labelling experiments. Based on the 13C-labelling distribution resulting from the consumption of labelled substrate, the intracellular fluxes and topology of the reaction network is deduced. This knowledge will be further used in MFA based on the reaction stoichiometry and net conversion rates. Various limiting conditions will be tested under steady state conditions. Conditions with significant impact on the metabolic balance between biomass formation and protein production are further investigated under dynamic conditions. Dynamic experiments include steady state experiments with various shifts in dilution rates and fed-batch experiments during which the transition between substrate excess and limitation can be studied. The dynamics of the intracellular metabolites will be followed during transition zones by frequent sampling. In all stages, techniques of optimal experimental design will be used to guarantee identifiability and accurate flux estimation.

Further Requirements:

This position is targeted at candidates from non-EEA countries (European Economic Area = European Union + Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway). Applications are invited from enthusiastic graduates with an excellent study track record. We offer a challenging research environment and an intense experience leading to a PhD degree.

Further Information: http://cit.kuleuven.be/en/research.php

Read Detail: Read Detail

Cornell University is a bold, innovative and inclusive teaching and research university of academic distinction and public service where staff, faculty, and students alike are challenged to be active citizens of the world.

A full-time postdoctoral associate is sought for genetic/genomic studies in apple (Malus x domestica). The project will focus on studying genes influencing plant architecture, fruit quality and disease resistance. Genetic maps will be developed and new molecular markers will be identified. The successful candidate will develop and use genomics tools for the genetic enhancement of apple, and is expected to contribute to a variety of studies within the apple genetic improvement program.

Qualifications :

Applicants should have a PhD in Plant Genetics / Genomics, Plant Breeding, Plant Molecular Biology or related disciplines. Hands-on experience in diverse PCR-based markers systems and linkage map construction is required. Experience in marker development and linkage analysis in allopolyploids is desired. A strong theoretical background in Statistical Genomics will be viewed favorably. Association mapping, genomic sequence analysis, genomic data mining and bioinformatics experience is surely desireable. Candidates should have a proven record of research productivity and proficiency and the ability to work collaboratively with other researchers and graduate students. Excellent English written and oral communication skills are required. Salary is commensurate with experience and education.

The position will be under the supervision of Dr. Susan Brown, Herman M. Cohn Professor of Horticultural Sciences and Director of the Tree Fruit Genomics Initiative, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Cornell University, 630 West North Street, 120 Hedrick Hall, NYSAES, Geneva, NY.

To apply, send or e-mail curriculum vitae, list of publications, statement of research interests, and phone numbers and full contact information of at least 3 references to: Dr. Susan Brown, (Email: skb3@cornell.edu) at the above address.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The position start date is as soon as possible, but a later start date is negotiable.

The title of the second project is ‘Dynamics in the central metabolism of Streptomyces lividans producing heterologous proteins’.

If you interest please apply via this site : www.set.kuleuven.be/phd

Closing date: 21/09/2008
Reference: HUM/80572

A two-year Post Doctoral Fellowship is offered by the Centre for the Analysis of Investment Risk, which is based in the Division of Accounting and Finance at Manchester Business School

This Fellowship is funded by EPSRC, with support from ESRC. It forms part of their SPRing Consortium Project, in which four universities, led by Manchester, will research the sustainability of nuclear power for the UK from a multi-disciplinary perspective.

The task of this Fellow is to investigate the economic and financial aspects of the sustainability of nuclear power, including the interface between the economic and non-economic aspects of decision-making — for example un-priced economic or environmental externalities, the modes of market failure, in the presence or absence of corporate or government intervention, effects of conflicts between social interest groups on thefeasibility of computing an economic optimum etc.

The skill base needed includes an economics-related PhD, ideally with some knowledge of market theory, including the effects of violating that theory’s assumptions.

Other desirable (but not essential skills) include knowledge of modern financial mathematics, especially real options, skill in the solution of partial differential equations, and knowledge of actual trading and investment practices in the energy industry.

A fully funded PhD student will operate alongside this Fellow, to help to formulate and solve any innovative financial mathematical models of the required decisions under relevant uncertainties. The Fellow may also interact with other EPSRC funded work shared by MBS and Manchester University’s School of Mathematics, for example into wind power.

Our SPRing research collaborators are City University, Edinburgh University and Southampton University, and the Fellow is expected to form cross-disciplinary links with them and other organisations.

A main aim of the SPRing project is to develop a multi-criteria debating framework, so as to permit both technical and non-technical users, including politicians, energy companies, the media, interest groups and the public, to explore the issues of preference, belief, agreement and interest conflict which arise in this type of social decision. The work of the Fellow will support the integrity and value of the framework.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on an internationally important problem, at the frontiers of modern financial and economic analysis, and to acquire increasingly needed skills in Energy management. The Fellow will interact with disciplines as varied as applied mathematics, economics, finance, investment banking, nuclear engineering, national security, political and social studies.

Manchester University is a growing centre of technical, managerial and societal skills in sustainability, and also in nuclear, oil-based, wind and wave energies. Manchester Business School itself is active in all, except (as yet) wave power.

Salary
£27,466 – £33,780 p.a.

Informal enquiries
Informal enquiries can be made to Professor S.D Howell
Email: s.howell@mbs.ac.uk.

For Further Information:www.manchester.ac.uk

• masters degree in mathematics, commercial engineering, applied economics, civil/industrial engineering, bioengineering or equal;
• a strong interest in operations research and/or economic modelling and the ambition to write a Ph.D. dissertation;
• a strong academic record;
• a good knowledge of English.

We offer:
A scholarship in a stimulating research environment, starting as soon as possible until September 30th 2009, to be extended by two additional years after a positive evaluation.

Interested?
Please fill in your application form (http://www.ua.ac.be/main.aspx?c=*VACATURES&n=15761&ct=011072 and return it to

University of Antwerp
Campus Middelheim
HR department (AP cell)
Middelheimlaan 1
2020 Antwerp
Belgium
by September 30th 2008 at the latest

Do not hesitate to contact us for more details

* Dr. Wout Dullaert, Wout.Dullaert@ua.ac.be, tel. + 32 3 275 51 41
* Dr. Bruno De Borger, Bruno.DeBorger@ua.ac.be, tel. + 32 3 220 41 61

PhD student
In vivo Magnetic Resonance Micro Imaging of songbird brain to study neuroplasticity and auditory processing

Job description:
The assignment consists of full time scientific research in the above mentioned research area for which you will have access to a 7T and a 9.4T small animal MRI system from Bruker. You will work with living songbirds.

Profile and requirements:

• You hold a Master degree in Biology, Biomedicine, biotechnology, Bio engineer, etc.
• Knowledge of Biomedical Imaging Techniques and or image processing software is a bonus.

We offer:

• A full time position as PhD student.
• The appointment is initially for one year, after which it can become 4 years in total depending on a favourable evaluation.

The expected date of appointment is as soon as possible which is 01-10-2008.

Interested?
Please contact Annemie Van der Linden, Annemie.VanderLinden@ua.ac.be