PhD position open at VTT within a Marie Curie EST training programme “Enzymatic tailoring of protein interactions and functionalities in food matrix” (PRO-ENZ, MEST-CT-2005-020924). We are now looking for a Ph.D. student for a 3-year period in the area of enzymatic crosslinking and functionalization of proteins. The work will be focused on the mechanistic aspects and elucidation of enzymatic reaction mechanisms as well as analysis of the formed crosslinks. Therefore we are searching for a person with good knowledge in food or protein chemistry and analytical techniques.
Focus on enzymatic tailoring of food proteins
The objective of the PRO-ENZ project is to train young scientists in the use of modern biotechnology and protein chemistry, especially proteomics in food research and hence to give them competence for high quality product development in the food industry sector with special emphasis on enzyme-aided structure engineering of dairy projects. The project provides interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research training by combining training from molecular genetics and enzymology to training in food technology and food chemistry. For the position we are looking for enthusiastic young scientist who will concentrate on the development of proteomics and other advanced analytical tools aiming to increase the basic knowledge of the reaction mechanisms of the oxidative enzymes as well as enzyme catalyzed reactions in food matrix.
PRO-ENZ is divided into three interactive scientific disciplines:
1. Discovery of novel enzyme tools
2. Mode of action of novel biotools on peptides and model proteins
3. Exploitation of novel biotools in advanced dairy applications
PRO-ENZ project has started 1.6.2006 and the project is a 4-year training project involving totally 5 PhD students with scientific backgrounds in molecular biology, enzymology, analytical chemistry and food technology.
Qualifications expected
For the open position the applicant should have a master's degree in one of the following topics: biochemistry/-technology, molecular/structural biology or chemistry/analytical chemistry. Hands-on experience from modern protein chemical analytical tools such as MALDI-TOF/(TOF) MS, HPLC, CD, FTIR/Raman as well as from EPR and NMR will be an advantage. Furthermore, the applicant should have high scientific ambition level, innovative thinking, capability to work in an international environment and also good knowledge in English.
The eligible researcher must have less than 4 years of research experience and no Ph.D. degree. The applicant should be citizen of an EU member, candidate or associated state (more information see http://cordis.europa.eu/mariecurie-actions/est/). Researchers with Finnish nationality can NOT apply for these vacancies. Applicants who have worked or studied for 12 or more months in Finland during the last 3 years can NOT apply for the vacancies.
Organisation - VTT
Division/Faculty/Department - Food biotechnology
Street - Tietotie 2
City - Espoo
Postal Code - P.O.Box 1000
State/Province - 02044 VTT
Country - FINLAND
Phone - +358 20722 111
E-Mail - marja-liisa.virtanen@vtt.fi
Website - http://www.vtt.fi/
Application Deadline - 30.9.2006
VTT is a pioneer in the development of bioscience applications to meet the requirements of the industry. VTT works globally, utilizing its extensive research and co-operation networks. Further information: http://www.vtt.fi.
