ESRF - PhD student at ILL: Structural biology of an RNA helicase by NMR, SANS and segmental labelling

At a glance

Job title: PhD student at ILL: Structural biology of an RNA helicase by NMR, SANS and segmental labelling
Ref.: NS25-ILL12
Contract type: Time-limited contract
Salary range: 32.7K€
Deadline for applications: 02/05/2025
Expected deadline of applications: 02/05/2025
Publication start on Front Office : Site internet: 03/03/2025
Contract duration: 3 years (1 year renewable 2 years)

Context & Job description

The RNA Helicase DHX9 is involved in all RNA-related cellular processes and overexpressed in multiple cancer cells and tumours. Therefore, understanding the structure and dynamics of the RNA unwinding process and the role of DHX9’s auxiliary domains in this process is essential to potentially inhibit this helicase to reduce protein biosynthesis in cancer cells.

The aim of the PhD project is to utilize small-angle neutron scattering to map the position of the N-terminal double-stranded RNA binding domains with respect to the helicase core domain in different conformational states adopted during the helicase cycle. For this, we will apply segmental deuteration of specific DHX9 domains, in combination with NMR, SANS and solvent contrast variation.

You will join the D-Lab team within the BDCS group at ILL, Grenoble, France. The BDCS group is responsible for operating the deuteration-, lipid-, chemistry- and soft matter-laboratories at ILL. Senior members of the group are involved in a number of scientific collaborations and supervision of students, spanning the fields of biology, chemistry and soft matter. At the D-Lab, in addition to the user program, we are also developing novel deuteration approaches for neutron scattering techniques (SANS, reflectometry, crystallography and spectroscopy).

Further information may be obtained from: Dr. Frank Gabel (tel.: +33 (0)4 76 20 75 74, email: gabelfrank@ill.fr), and from Prof. Dr. Janosch Hennig (tel.: +49 (0)9 21 55 35 40, email: janosch.hennig@uni-bayreuth.de).

Expected profile

- Degree allowing enrolment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in biochemistry or molecular biology, or a closely related natural science like chemistry or physics. Degrees must have been granted by European universities or already recognised as equivalent.

- A background in molecular biology techniques, like molecular cloning, protein expression and purification is required and/or beneficial. An interest in scattering techniques (X-rays/neutrons) is desirable.

- Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate level must be included in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof). If the applicant is unable to provide proof, an English test (free of charge) will be requested.

- Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline.

- All researchers recruited must be doctoral candidates, i.e. not already working towards or in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment.

- Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme.

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school at University of Bayreuth (Germany) and based full-time at the ILL (Grenoble, France), other than a maximum of 6 months at the University of Bayreuth (Germany). Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the 3-year PhD project.

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Company description

NEXTSTEP will train 36 young and enthusiastic researchers to exploit the unique and transversal capabilities of analytical research infrastructures in tackling the challenges associated with sustainable development and industrial competitiveness in the areas of “Health”, “Digital, Industry & Space”, “Climate, Energy and Mobility” and “Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment”, which are at the heart of Horizon Europe. Host laboratories: ESRF and ILL (France), FZJ (Germany), AREA (Italy), NTNU (Norway).