PhD student in Biophysics

Ref. No. SU FV-0913-24

at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics . Closing date: 23 April 2024.

The Department is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Some 300 people of which about 70 are PhD students work at the Department, engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

Project description
Your studies in Biophysics will be in the project: Mechanistic Studies of Bioenergetic Protein Complexes

We search for PhD candidates for mechanistic studies of proteins catalyzing biological energy conversion, in particular enzymes responsible for cellular respiratory or photosynthesis. The project is focused on how membrane-bound enzymes systems capture chemical or light energy, and catalyze electron transfer coupled proton transport across biological membranes. The project will address the structure, function, and dynamics of these fascinating proteins by experimental biochemical, biophysical or structural methods (mutagenesis, spectroscopy, proteoliposome experiments, cryoEM) or computational multiscale simulations approaches (QM/MM, molecular dynamics, free energy methods, machine learning). The PhD candidate will work closely with other PhD students, postdocs and senior scientists of the lab in an interdisciplinary team. Several projects related to bioenergetics and protein function are possible depending on background and interests of the applicant.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Biophysics program, the applicant must have passed courses within the first and second cycles of at least 120 credits in Physics or Chemistry and at the second level, courses of at least 60 credits Biophysics, Biochemistry or Physical Chemistry including a 30 credit Degree Project (thesis).

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to successfully complete the program. Important criteria when assessing this capacity are; documented knowledge and skills in the field of the thesis project, written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.

The candidate should preferably have prior training in either experimental or computational biophysical methods applied to proteins. 

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations .

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more information, please contact Professor Ville Kaila, [email protected] .

General information about the PhD programs can be given by the Director of Doctoral Studies, Pia Ädelroth, [email protected] .se or the Head of the Department, Martin Högbom, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , [email protected]  (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] .

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Project proposal/Research proposal describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=23247&rmlang=UK