One PhD student position available in Department of Food Science, University of Guelph, ON, Canada

Posted: May 1, 2009

Positions:

One Ph.D. student position is available in the Food Bioactive Factors group at University of Guelph, ON beginning in September 1, 2009. In general, the projects are related to bioactive peptides on anti-inflammatory, allergy and immunomodulatory functions in gut health and immunity. Dr. Mine is currently leading interdisciplinary projects of AFMNet (Network Centre of Excellence) and NSERC.

Project Descriptions:

(1). Food derived bioactive peptides in mucosal immunity. This study will address the nutrigenomics and chronic diseases. This project aims to understand molecular mechanisms of di/tri-peptides- gene interaction and its impact on gut health and immunity. The applicant needs a M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, food/nutrition, biomedical science or a related subject. Experience in biochemical and molecular techniques such as protein purification, cell culture, HPLC and/or molecular biology such as RT-PCR, cell signaling, and/or bioinformatics is required. Animal study using piglet or mouse will be required.

(2). Molecular allergology of food allergens. This project aims to design the recombinant allergens of egg proteins and/or seeking natural health compounds to induce tolerance or modulate mucosal immunity and understanding its cellular mechanisms, particularly the role of T-regulatory cell and TRL are targets. The applicant needs a M.Sc. degree in biochemistry, food and nutrition, biomedical science, immunology or a related subject. Experience in biochemical and molecular techniques such as molecular cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, protein purification, HPLC, cell culture and/or molecular biology such as RT-PCR, cell signaling, FACS and/or bioinformatics are required. Animal study using an allergy mouse model will be required.

Preference will be given to candidates who have good laboratory skills and who have good critical thinking, research design, communication, self-motivation, and team working skills.

Application Submission:

To apply, please submit a cover letter explaining your motivation, a detailed CV, transcript, 2 reference letters and evidence of English language proficiency (if second language) by August 1, 2009 to

Yoshinori MINE, Ph.D., Professor

Department of Food Science

University of Guelph

Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G2W1

Phone: +1-519-824-4120 x52901

Fax: +1-519-824-6631

E mail; ymine@uoguelph.ca

Web Site:

http://www.yminelab.com/ymine.html