PhD student in Biophysics, X-ray lasers

Published: 2022-05-11

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities.

The Biophysics group within the Division of X-ray Photon Science conducts research on the structure and dynamics of molecular systems using X-rays from synchrotrons and X-ray lasers. We are a part of a larger effort at Uppsala university to strengthen biophysics research which includes co-workers from biology and chemistry (https://teknat.uu.se/research/biophysics-network/ ). X-ray free-electron lasers are novel light sources that provide extremely intense and ultrashort X- ray pulses. These unique properties open new possibilities to determine structural information of biomolecules with atomic resolution, using coherent diffraction before destruction. We study the ultrafast processes induced by the X-ray lasers in biological samples that can lead to radiation damage, non-thermal melting and other transient phenomena on the femtosecond time scale. The overarching goal is to advance our understanding on the structure and function of molecules and have an impact on society, for example proteins that could lead to development of better medicine.

Project Summary
The PhD student will study and develop diffractive imaging with X-ray lasers to investigate atomic and electronic structure of condensed matter and molecules. The project involves using femtosecond X-ray pulses to probe the structure of samples, before these would turn into plasma due to the extreme radiation dose. Elastically scattered X-rays will be used for coherent diffractive imaging, and we also propose to use the molecular fragments ejected from the violent explosions of the molecules, to better understand the photon matter interaction, and to improve atomic imaging with this new technique. The project will employ theoretical modeling and experiments of X-ray interaction with biological matter, e.g. proteins or organic molecules, to gain knowledge about the practical realisation of experiments at X-ray lasers, and optimise conditions to extract novel structural information.

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Duties
The PhD student shall primarily focus on postgraduate studies, but other duties related to teaching and administrative work may be involved, up to a maximum of 20% of the time. Information about doctoral education, eligibility requirements and admission rules can be found at the faculty website, https://teknat.uu.se/education/postgraduate/.

As a postgraduate student, you are expected to actively participate in the activities of the department. Additionally, you are expected to travel and perform experiments at national and international X-ray facilities, participate in collaboration meetings and regularly present your work.

Requirements
Motivated candidates with an academic degree at the Masters level (or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Chemistry or Applied mathematics. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project other areas may also be considered. Excellent knowledge of spoken and written English is an absolute requirement. Personal characteristics such as interpersonal skills, curiosity, a passion for discovery and independence are also important factors.

The application
Your application should be written in English and include: A personal letter where you describe yourself, your research interest, your experiences and why you are interested in the position (max. 2 pages). A CV containing your education and other qualifications; certificates of exams, degrees and grades, diplomas; a copy of the Master thesis or equivalent, published articles if relevant.
Candidates are encouraged to provide letters of recommendation or contact information to two reference persons.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines .

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %.Starting date 1September or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Carl Caleman, +46 729 999 425, [email protected] or Docent Nicusor Timneanu, +46 704 250926, [email protected].

Please submit your application by 25 May, UFV-PA 2022/1566.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Physics and Astronomy

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: ST/TCO [email protected]
Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/1566

Last application date: 2022-05-25

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