BACKGROUND:
Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health (RTH), http://rth.dk, was established in 2010 to take a multi-disciplinary research strategy in the area of non-coding RNAs. The Center has two open PhD positions in Bioinformatics with putative start December 1st, 2011 or as soon as feasible. The duration of each position is three years.

Within recent years, it has become evident that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) play numerous important roles in the cell. Many ncRNAs contain a characteristic RNA structure, a hallmark that (albeit often at a high computational cost) can be exploited in in silico screens. These screens are in essence based on search for the RNA secondary structure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The two PhD projects are motivated in the further analysis of in silico generated ncRNA candidates and the goal is to develop computational methods to predict RNA-RNA interactions with the aim of genome-wide applications and emerging interaction networks containing non-coding RNAs. The projects will focus on constructing methods for RNA-RNA interactions as well as on designing methods for RNA interference while taking the accessibility into account. A part of the projects will involve collaboration with Exiqon A/S on interactions to LNA. It is expected that the methods can gain from the use of the multiple sequences (comparative analysis), available 3D structure information as well as transcriptomic data.

Both positions will be in collaboration with people in Center for non-coding RNA in Technology and Health.

REQUIREMENTS:
The applicant should hold professional as well as personal skills and qualifications as stated below:

• A master degree in Bioinformatics, computational biology, biology, statistics, or similar
• Experience with algorithm development
• Experience with Perl or Python (or similar)
• Experience with C, C++ and/or Java
• Possess good interpersonal skills
• Be excellent in speaking and writing in English

PREFERENCES:
The following additional skills will be welcome (but not a requirement):

• General knowledge about RNA structure and folding, RNA gene search algorithms, and algorithms for structural alignment of RNAs and RNA-RNA interactions
• Insight in statistics

TERMS:
The positions will be filled according to the Agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Each post is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

The PhD positions require the applicant to be approved for admission to the PhD programme at LIFE when accepted for the positions.

COMPENSATION:
The average annual salary for PhD students is currently DKK 372 000 (approx. EUR 49 600). In addition, the successful candidates will enter a pension fund scheme as well as paid holidays after one year. Operating costs such as course fees, project expenses, travel and stays abroad, etc. are subsidized by the project.

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply directly online via http://rth.dk/posts/two-phd-fellowships-in-rna-bioinformatics-60.php and follow the instructions to complete the application process.

Applications - in English - must include:

• Cover Letter applying for and detailing your motivation and background for applying.
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts of records
• Other information for consideration, e.g. list of publications (if any), peer reviewed and other
• Personal Recommendations
• A maximum of 3 relevant scientific works which the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment.

Applications that do not include the required material may not be considered. The assessment committee may request further material from the applicant.

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation Executive Order no. 284 of 25 April 2008.

DEADLINE:
The applications must be received latest by November 1st, 2011. Applications received after the closing time will not be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For further information about the post, please contact:
Prof. Jan Gorodkin, e-mail: gorodkin[at]rth.dk, phone: +45 3533 4704, +45 3533 3578 (direct).

The Faculty of Life Sciences is one of Europe's leading university environments in the areas of food, health, plants, biotechnology, natural resources, the environment, and related academic areas.

Our research and degree programmes are centered on knowledge and tools that can help secure a brighter future for humans, animals and plants.

General information about PhD programmes at LIFE is available at http://www.LIFE.ku.dk/LIFEphd.