BEMÆRK: Ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Applicants are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Technical Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Biological and Chemical Engineering programme. The position is available from 1 October 2023 or later.
Title
PhD position in Exploiting the Biocatalytic Potential of Demethylase Enzymes for Organic Synthesis and Lignin Valorization
Research area and project description
Enzymes are Nature’s powerful biocatalysts that drive biochemical reactions to sustain life. In addition to their physiological roles, enzymes are very well-suited for sustainable and green synthesis. In this project, we aim to discover and characterize new enzymes that have high potential for use in synthetic applications, contributing to green chemistry and sustainability efforts.
The enzyme to be studied in this project is a Vitamin B12 dependent O-demethylase, which strips off the O-methyl groups from aromatic rings to generate corresponding phenol compounds. Besides their physiological role in energy metabolism of certain bacteria, O-demethylases possess high potential for biocatalytic applications, including lignin valorization and utilization in organic synthesis for demethylation/methylation reactions. However, an important challenge is their limited substrate scope and low promiscuity. Current enzymes mainly accept small monophenolic substrates and are limited in regioselectivity. Recently, a unique O-demethylase activity has been discovered in vivo in human gut bacterium of Blautia sp. MRG-PMF1 by a research group in Korea, who are also our collaborators in this project. This organism converts a wide range of polymethoxyflavones (PMF) into demethylated products. Initial studies demonstrated this activity to be due to a Vitamin B12-dependent O-demethylase. This PMF O-demethylase accepts three-cyclic PMFs as well as monocyclic phenolics as substrates. Another distinct feature of PMF O-demethylase system is that they carry out multiple sequential demethylations of the polymethoxylated substrates. Such an O-demethylase, with high substrate promiscuity and regiodiversity, will be much useful for expanding their biocatalytic utility.
The aims of this PhD project include in vitro reconstitution of this novel multi-component PMF O-demethylase system and detailed characterization of the enzymes involved as well as constructing/optimizing an efficient minimal component system for methylation/demethylation of polyphenolic substrates for organic synthesis and lignin building block.
For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. Please simply copy the project description above and upload it as a PDF in the application.
Qualifications and specific competences
Applicants to this PhD position must have a recent, relevant Master’s degree (120 ECTS e.g. Biochemical Engineering), with excellent academic record.
Prior experience and knowledge on general molecular biology techniques, protein expression and purification as well as enzymology is desired. Experience with analytical techniques including HPLC, GC-MS and NMR is an advantage.
The ideal candidate has good collaboration skills and is also able to work independently.
Place of employment and place of work
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Gustav Wieds Vej 10A, 8000 Aarhus C
Contacts
Applicants seeking further information are invited to contact:
- Bekir Engin Eser, bekireser@bce.au.dk
- Zheng Guo, guo@bce.au.dk
How to apply
Please follow this link to submit your application.
Application deadline is 1 August 2023 at 23:59 CEST.
Preferred starting date is 1 October 2023.
For information about application requirements and mandatory attachments, please see our application guide.
Please note:
- The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
- Shortlisting will be used, which means that the evaluation committee only will evaluate the most relevant applications.
Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Salary and terms of employment are in accordance with applicable collective agreement.
INFORMATIONER OM STILLINGEN:
- Arbejdspladsen ligger i:
Aarhus Kommune
-Virksomheden tilbyder:
-Arbejdsgiver:
Aarhus Universitet, Gustav Wieds Vej 10A, 8000 Aarhus C
-Ansøgning:
Ansøgningsfrist: 01-08-2023; - ansøgningsfristen er overskredet
Ved skriftlig henvendelse: https://app.researchplanner.net/Peoplexs22/CandidatesPortalNoLogin/ApplicationForm.cfm?PortalID=16581&VacatureID=1083047
Se mere her: https://job.jobnet.dk/CV/FindWork/Details/5856895
