stillingsbetegnelse:
PhD scholarship in Optimizing Absorption of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Infants Fed Infant Formula in the Systems Metabolic Lipidology Group

jobbeskrivelse:
DTU Systems Biology's academic profile covers the fields of cellular, molecular and structural biology, bioinformatics, industrial biotechnology, biomedicine and health. The systems biology approach addresses both the overall properties of a biological system and uses scientific approaches to understand specific mechanisms. Therefore, much of the work carried out by the research groups at the Department is characterized by the incorporation of several academic disciplines. The research focus of the Systems Metabolic Lipidology group is on metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids and sphingolipids and the importance of these metabolic pathways for appropriate organ development and metabolic control. We give particular attention to nutrition in early life, i.e. how different nutritional challenges in fetal- or early post-natal life can cause persistent changes in the metabolism or in organ function. Responsibilities and tasks The successful candidate will participate in a project aiming at optimizing absorption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) from infant formula, in order to support the same brain maturation and development in new-born infants fed infant formula as seen in infants fed mother’s milk. To achieve this, the PhD-student will perform in vitro studies of lipolysis, using models mimicking lipid digestion in infants, as well as in vivo studies on fatty acid absorption, PUFA incorporation into the brain and brain development. The project is a collaboration between several academic institutions and industry partner, why collaborative skills are required. The PhD student will perform fatty acid analysis using GC-FID, lipid analysis using a combination of SPE-fractionation and HPLC analysis and analysis of gene expression of brain maturation markers using qPCR. Qualifications Candidates should have a master's degree in engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering. Documented experience with fatty acid analysis using GC-FID, Lipid analysis using HPLC and gene expression analysis using qPCR, as well as previous experience in analysis of brain lipid composition. A fundamental understanding of lipid composition of brain neurons and its role in defining brain function is highly wanted. Approval and Enrolment The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval, and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide. Assessment The assessment of the applicants will be made by Associate Professor Lars I Hellgren, DTU Systems Biology and Associate Professor Anette Müllertz, Dept. Pharmacy, Copenhagen University. We offer We offer an interesting and challenging job in an international environment focusing on education, research, public-sector consultancy and innovation, which contribute to enhancing the economy and improving social welfare. We strive for academic excellence, collegial respect and freedom tempered by responsibility. The Technical University of Denmark (DTU) is a leading technical university in northern Europe and benchmarks with the best universities in the world. Salary and appointment terms The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. The experimental work will be performed at DTU Systems Biology as well as at Dept. Pharmacy, Copenhagen University. The PhD student will also perform an external stay at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Further information Further information may be obtained from Associate Professor Lars I Hellgren, +45 2076 2759, lih (at) bio.dtu.dk Please do not send applications to this e-mail address, instead apply online as described below. You can read more about Department of Systems Biology and the Systems Metabolic Lipidology group on http://www.bi

Arbejdsgiver Navn: Danmarks Tekniske Universitet

Arbejdsgiver telefonnummer: 45252525

Arbejdsgiver faxnummer: 45881799

Job kort beskrivelse:
Undervisning og forskning på universiteter og højere læreranstalter

land: Danmark

region: Hovedstaden

krævede uddannelse: Ikke angivet

Kilde til jobtilbud: AMS, Offentlige arbejdsformidlinger, Danmark