PhD Scholarship available in Structural and Molecular Biology at the School of Biological Sciences University of Auckland, New Zealand
Applications are invited for a PhD scholarship in the following area:
Interactions of keratin-associated proteins and keratin intermediate filament proteins during fibre development.
This scholarship is funded by a research grant from the The Wool Consortium Inc, and includes University Fees, working expenses and a stipend of NZ$25,000 p/a. Candidates should have a First or Upper Second Class Honours or Masters Degree or equivalent, and have a strong interest in using protein structure to elucidate biological function. The student will be based in the AgResearch Structural Biology Laboratory at the University of Auckland, with co-supervision from AgResearch’s Lincoln laboratory, which specialises in proteomics and the nano-structure of keratin materials. As the project involves extensive collaboration as part of the Wool Protein Crosslinks Network within AgResearch, the student will spend time in both locations, receiving training in a broad range of techniques.
The project will involve the investigation of the molecular interactions that occur between keratin-associated proteins (KAPs), trichocyte keratin intermediate filament proteins (KIFPs) and keratin intermediate filaments (KIFs) within forming macrofibrils of wool. There are very many KAPs, which remain largely mysterious proteins. There are indications that KAPs are important in hair fibre development, but what role they play, and what properties they confer on the mature fibres remains unclear. This project will set out to better understand the role and structure of KAPs, using a wide range of biophysical methods.
Applicants should write to Dr Shaun Lott ([log in to unmask]) in the first instance, attaching a CV and an academic transcript, citing reference WXN1, by 19th July 2013. Informal inquiries are welcomed at the same address.
More information about the School of Biological Sciences at The University of Auckland can be found here:
http://www.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/uoa/science/about/departments/sbs/about-us.cfm
More information about AgResearch can be found here:
http://www.agresearch.co.nz/our-science/
More information about the Wool Research Consortium can be found here:
http://www.woolresearch.com/
More information about Dr Shaun Lott’s Research Group can be found here:
http://persephone.sbs.auckland.ac.nz/shaun/
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