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PhD project: Solubility of amyloid β peptide

Solubility of amyloid beta peptide as a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors

You will investigate the solubility of amyloid β peptide and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, in particular surfaces in the form of nanoparticles and phospholipid membranes, and cosolutes. The ultimate goal is to understand whether the reduced solubility apparent in Alzheimer's disease is a cause or consequence of the disease.

Molecular structure of a fraction of aggregated amyloid beta (Abeta)

Introduction

We announce one to two PhD positions within a research program called CASCADE - Cause or Consequence in Alzheimer's disease.

You will be part of a collaborative network of students and researchers at the divisions of Biochemistry and Structural Biology as well as Physical Chemistry at Lund University and Neurochemistry at Gothenburg University.

The team of supervisors include Sara Linse, Emma Sparr, Henrik Zetterberg and Jörg Hanrieder.

Website of the Cascade Research Environment

Information about the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology

Information about the Division of Physical Chemistry

Project specification

Work duties

The project aims to study solubility of amyloid beta peptide as a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The overarching goal addresses whether a change in peptide solubility is a cause or consequence of Alzheimer's disease. The students will use a top-down approach to study to what extent Aβ solubility is modulated by neurochemical factors. In parallel, a bottom-up approach will be used to systematically investigate the influence of various kinds of nano-structures and surfaces as well as molecular factors such as pH, salt, temperature, co-solvents and lipids as well as peptide sequence variants. Another aim is to reveal to structure of soluble peptide complexes and aggregates formed in vitro and seeded with brain material. To address these scientific questions, we plan to use several state-of-the art methodologies, including optical spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, scattering techniques, fluorescence microscopy, and electron microscopy.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The doctoral student is expected to work independently, as well as in close collaboration with researchers carrying out other tasks within the project.

Desirable skills

Documented experience of scientific experimental studies of proteins and knowledge in one or several of the experimental methods mentioned above is an advantage. Documented excellent level of English (understanding, speaking, writing) is essential. Excellent communication and presentation skills are also essential. The candidate should have the ability to work in a team and collaborate with people from complementary disciplines.
Document to include with the application: A cover letter (1/2-1 page) expressing a motivation for why you wish to perform a PhD education in physical chemistry at Lund University, and how the present research project matches your own research interests and scientific background.

Enrolment: Physical chemistry at the Science faculty

Subject curriculum (general syllabus) for Physical chemistry at the Science faculty, NAKEMFK2 (pdf in Swedish, 267 kB, new window)

The subject curricula (general syllabi) for subjects within chemistry, amended in June 2019, are currently being translated and will appear on the Science faculty's page for General syllabi and individual study plans soon.
Science faculty's page for General syllabi and individual study plans

Supervisor

Sara Linse, Professor at the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Sara Linse's research interests, group members, publications and teaching