PhD - Glycosciences

Universidad San Pablo CEU
Madrid, Spain

Description

GLYCOPHARM (“The Sugar Code: from (bio)chemical concept to clinics”) is a European Marie Curie Initial Training Network focused on the training of young researchers in Glycosciences, a dynamic research field under development, with a remarkable biopharmaceutical potential. This ITN integrates 13 academia and industrial partners from six Eurpoean countries (Spain, Germany, Chec Republic, Portugal, Sweden and Italy). Coding of biochemical information is commonly described to be based solely on nucleotides and amino acids, whereas carbohydrates, the most abundant type of molecule in Nature, appear sidelined in this respect. That carbohydrates, as part of cellular glycoconjugates, have exceptional talents for building biochemical signals is an emerging insight, at the heart of the concept of the Sugar Code. Intuitively, emergence of recognition partners for information transfer is expected, and this is the case. Thus, coding of bioinformation in glycans and information transfer via lectins is key to a wealth of medically relevant processes, e.g. infection, immune regulation and malignancy, now awaiting its full exploitation pharmaceutically. To do so, training in this exceptionally interdisciplinary field needs to be provided. With this aim, this network consists on a continuous chain of research expertise, from computational and synthetic chemistry to state of the art biophysical chemistry and structural biology, then to biochemistry, molecular cell biology and pharmaceutical/biomedical sciences, generating innovative clinical approaches. Notably, academia is linked with industry, bringing in the essence of business acumen into the training programme. This activity and the research deliberately planned as interdisciplinary projects ensure an optimal training for young researchers in a dynamically developing area of conspicuous biopharmaceutical potential. Equally important, it lays the foundation to inspire novel strategies for the design of potent and selective inhibitors against lectins and the development of lectins (or suitably engineered variant(s)) as therapeuticals.

The ESR will be trained in essential techniques in molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design with extensive impact in both pharmaceutical industry and academia environments. Additional postgraduate courses together with secondments will provide a clear perspective of current protocols and possible synergies that can be exploited by the trainees for her/his future career (optimization of lead compounds, design of galectin mimetics, structural characterization, biological evaluation, glycan analysis, etc.).

Requirements

We are seeking enthusiastic and self-motivated scientists with good theoretical and practical learning skills, able to think independently and effective at team work. Candidates with an already completed Master Degree will be preferred, although it is not mandatory at present time. Previous research experience will also be positively appreciated.

More information and applications

Further questions and applications: please contact Dr Sonsoles Martin-Santamaria (smsantamaria@ceu.es) by sending an e-mail, including your CV academic degree and marks.