The physiological roles of nitric oxide-generating pathways in hypoxia-tolerant animals .
Nitric oxide regulates cellular respiration by increasing tissue oxygen delivery via vasodilation and by modulating mitochondrial oxygen consumption. The production of nitric oxide by nitric oxide synthases is inhibited by oxygen-poor conditions (hypoxia), but this can be compensated by nitric oxide generation from nitrite. Recent research shows that the respiratory proteins haemoglobin, myoglobin and carbonic anhydrase catalyze the conversion of nitrite to nitric oxide under hypoxic and/or acidotic conditions which have been implicated in hypoxic vasodilation and cytoprotection during hypoxia. The project explores the biological role of these ‘novel’ nitric oxide-generating pathways in hypoxia-tolerant animals where the mechanisms may be particularly important. Prime focus is on hypoxia-tolerant fish, but the project also includes collaborative work on mammalian models (e.g. diving mammals). Methods include detection of nitric oxide via chemiluminescence and microelectrodes, recordings of vessel vasoactivity, spectral analysis of purified heme proteins, measurement of cellular/mitochondrial respiration, and study of nitrite transport across cell membranes.

The successful applicant should have a physiological background, interest in the concerned field and some experience with relevant techniques.Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement of 1 October 2008 on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The university encourages all persons interested in the position to apply, regardless of their age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages)
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Certified copy of diploma
• At least two reference letters, signed

Scholarship Application Deadline: 12 January, 2011 at 12 noon

Further Scholarship Information and Application