PhD Position in Biophysics of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

The De Simone group at the Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples (UNINA), Italy, is looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join projects on intrinsically disordered proteins and protein regions (IDPs and IDRs). The PhD position is fully funded and for 3 years, starting November 1st, 2023, or soon thereafter. Information on the De Simone group can be found at: https://www.docenti.unina.it/alfonso.desimone

Our Group: Our research focuses on the underlying biomolecular mechanisms of human diseases. To this end, we employ integrated methods of biomolecular NMR experiments in solution and in the solid-state, Cryo-EM and multiscale molecular simulations. With this approach, we investigate protein-protein and protein-membrane interactions at the origins of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's as well as dilated cardiomyopathies and tuberculosis. A special focus is given on intrinsically disordered proteins and disordered regions in membrane proteins, which we study through new integrated approaches developed under ERC investigator fundings.

Selected Recent Publications: Sanz-Hernandez, et al, (2021) PNAS 118:e2019631118; Man WK, et al, (2021) Nature Communications 12:927; He S, et al, (2018) Nature Chemistry 9:712; Fusco G, et al, (2017) Science 358:1440-3; Fusco G, et al, (2016) Nature Communications 7:12563; Fusco G, et al, (2014) Nature Communications 5:3827

Project description: We are looking for a driven and ambitious person, with an ability to work independently and in collaboration with other groups. The candidate should have a strong interest in pursuing a PhD degree in the field of protein science with a focus on IDPS and IDRs. The position is one of eleven PhD positions in the Horizon Europe-funded Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) Doctoral Network IDPro "Intrinsically disordered proteins in health and disease: mechanisms, molecular context and opportunities for drug discovery".

IDPro is an exceptional network of nine beneficiaries (eight academic and one industrial) and five partner organizations (four industrial and three academic) from seven different countries, with excellent track records in protein research and supervision. Together, we will train eleven doctoral candidates, with distinct competencies of relevance for the field of intrinsically disordered proteins, to secure future scientific breakthroughs in a rapidly developing field. We will investigate how disordered proteins interact, how interaction is affected by disease-related mutations, and assess how disordered proteins cause aberrant cellular signaling in relevant human disease models. Furthermore, we will design ligands that can be further developed into molecular probes, which could represent lead structures for the development of drugs. The goal of IDPro is to strengthen an emerging field in biology and medicine with implications for both academia and industry in the European union.

The specific project in the De Simone will address fundamental questions regarding the interactions of disordered proteins in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. The work involves training and research in protein expression and purification, biophysics and structural biology, including biomolecular NMR spectroscopy and cryo-EM.

Profile

Qualifications: To be eligible for this 3 year PhD programme, you must fulfil one of the following criteria:

• Have a master degree, equivalent to laurea specialistica or laurea magistrale (as defined in the Italian Ministerial Decree nr. 509/1999 and its subsequent modifica ons and integra ons);

• Have an  academic degree, equivalent to the laurea vecchio ordinamento degree, at least a 4-year course;

• Have  an equivalent degree obtained at foreign universities.

Furthermore, the required degree must have been awarded by 31st October 2023.

The applicant must be fluent in written and spoken English. The candidate is expected to take initiative driving the project, but also to collaborate with the other members of the doctoral network. Emphasis will be given on personal qualities, including analytical capacity, accuracy, flexibility and collaborative skills.

Please note: This MSCA Doctoral Network grant aims to promote mobility within the EU. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Italy for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their date of recruitment.

Additional desirable skills: The ideal candidate would be able to express and purify proteins using E. coli systems. Further desirable skills include experience with structural biology techniques (X-ray crystallography, biomolecular NMR or cryo-EM).

The selection is based on the following criteria: Completion of the above qualifications, grades in relevant courses, suitability of the courses to the research program, previous experience in working and/or performing research in the wider area that relates to the project described above. An integrated assessment of the applicant is generated to employ the best possible candidate that can succeed in the doctoral studies and contribute to a positive development of the department and the research program.

Place of employment
The employment is at Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples, located in the Hospital Campus. 

Questions
For further information please contact Prof. Alfonso De Simone (alfonso.desimone@unina.it)

Application procedure
Your online application must be submitted in English at the link provided below no later than October 29, 2023. The application must include the following documents in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page).
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position.
3. A certified/signed copy of Master certificate. If the Master is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor reporting when the master will be completed.
4. List of publications with description of the personal contributions to each work, and if no publications exist, a pdf copy of the Masters’ thesis.
5. Reference Letters (at least 1, maximum 3)