Title of the project: Identify the genes of putative carbohydrate-active enzymes

This PhD position aims to identify the genes of putative carbohydrate-active enzymes (Cazymes), namely poly-, oligosaccharides and EPS-degrading enzymes in metagenomes of extreme environments populated by archaea. The PhD project is aimed to express these genes in heterologous hosts and to purify a new putative archaeal Cazymes, and also to characterize this class of enzymes structurally and functionally and to reconstruct archaeal enzymes involved in poly- and oligosaccharide catabolism and EPS turnover in microbiomes thriving in extreme environments. The PhD project aims Secondments are planned to academic ARCTECH partners to learn about enzyme production in S. acidocaldarius and EPS degradation assays and to an industrial ARCTECH partner to test enzymes involved in glycan degradation.

Requirements

Research Field: Biological sciences

Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

• Excellent track record in relation to the opportunity
• Completed Master’s degree in Biology, Biotechnology, Chemistry or related
• You must have a strong academic background from your previous studies and an above average grade for your MSc degree.
• Very good communication and collaboration skills and fluency in English

Preferred selection criteria

• Experience in working with CAZymes, hydrolases, (hyper)thermoenzymes
• Experience in carbohydrates isolation and characterization
• Experience in time management and teamwork
• Above-average commitment, ability to work independently and integrate into an interdisciplinary team
• Scientific curiosity and passion

Specific Requirements

• Must not already hold a doctoral degree
• Must comply with the MSC Action mobility rule: not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date
• You must meet the requirements described in the ‘Call for applications of foreign students’ of the University of Naples ‘Federico II’ (http://www.unina.it/didattica/post-laurea/dottorati-di-ricerca/english-…)

Additional information

Benefits

• Access to state-of-the-art training within the ARCTECH doctoral network, at an academic, and industry level
• Opportunities to collaborate with discipline specific world leading researchers
• A mobility allowance to support relocation
• A family allowance for the relocation of family (terms and conditions apply)

Eligibility criteria

The University of Naples ‘Federico II’ encourages the active participation of students in university life. In application of constitutional principles, it is committed to removing conditions of inequality and hardship, in particular, for less well-off, disabled, foreign and off-campus students. It implements the initiatives necessary to ensure students have a cultural and scientific preparation suitable for satisfying training demands, also in relation to the different needs of society.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

Selection process

The application and supporting documentation to be used as the basis for the assessment must be in English.  Applications should include:

• Complete CV (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, publications etc.)
• Letter of application (max. 1 page) including a short explanation of the applicant’s motivation to undertake a PhD
• Transcripts and diplomas for bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• A copy of the master’s thesis. If you recently have submitted your master’s thesis, you can attach a draft of the thesis. Documentation of a completed master’s degree must be presented before taking up the position.
• Names, contact details (including email addresses) of at least two referees

Upon request, you must be able to obtain certified copies of your documentation.

Please upload your application with the documents as listed above, quoting the reference number, by 5pm (CET+1) on 12^th May 2024 via the application form.

Applications submitted by post or to other email addresses will not be considered. 

In the evaluation of which candidate is best qualified, emphasis will be placed on education, experience, and personal and interpersonal qualities

Additional comments

The primary aims of the University of Naples ‘Federico II’, founded by the Swebian emperor on the5th of June 1224, are research and teaching by promoting the organisation, processing and transmission of knowledge, cultural and professional training, and the growth of students’ civil conscience. The improvement of the quality of training processes is also ensured with the help of distance learning techniques and other innovative technologies.

We offer you:

• a salary of € 3.911,6 gross per month for 3 years. The position is limited to a period of 3 years.