Open positions

Thank you for showing interest in working in our group. We are always interested in expanding our group with motivated student. If you have excellent grades in either a master’s degree or honour’s in chemistry or related subject, please Email Prof. Margaret Brimble or Janice Choi with your cv and cover letter. 

Open positions for PhD students or Post-docs are posted below.

PhD Position in Protein Biochemistry and Peptide Chemistry

A PhD studentship supported by the Royal Society NZ Marsden Fund is available under the supervision of Prof. Margaret Brimble, Dr. Paul Harris and Dr. Ghader Bashiri for an immediate start. This multidisciplinary project is on enzyme-catalysed synthesis of peptide antibiotics and will be based in the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Auckland.

Peptide antibiotics are produced naturally by bacteria, and many possess potent antimicrobial activity against a variety of human pathogens. However, unsustainable production of these antibiotics is mainly hampered due to the presence of complex modifications in their structures. In this project, we will use a powerful combination of synthetic peptide chemistry and recombinant enzyme technology to produce these exquisite molecules.

Prospective candidates should have a strong BSc (Hons) or MSc background in protein production and functional analysis of proteins, with good organizational and communication skills. An interest in peptide chemistry or biological chemistry would be an advantage, but is not essential. A stipend of NZ$27,000p.a.plus payment of tuition fees is provided for three years

Expressions of Interest

Interested candidates should submit a CV and academic transcript by email to:

Distinguished Prof Dame Margaret Brimble (m.brimble@auckland.ac.nz)

School of Chemical Sciences and School of Biological Sciences

The University of Auckland