PhD student in biochemistry/structural biology with focus on biotechnology

Reference number PAR 2024/239

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment.

We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN's global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change.

The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science.

The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 250 employees. We are located in central premises both on Campus Johanneberg and on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

General information about being a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg can be found on the university's doctoral student pages. 

https://www.gu.se/en/science/doctoral-studies/become-a-phd-student-at-the-faculty-of-science   

Duties   

With financial support from the Swedish Research Council’s Röntgen-Ångstrom Cluster framework, Richard Neutze,  Julia Morud Lekholm, Anders Lundgren and Johanna Höög are pursuing a technically ambitious project aiming to observe conformational changes in single biological molecules using X-ray free electron laser radiation. This project will develop chemical tools to connect gold nanorods to ligand gated ion channels. Protein conformational changes will be observed from individual protein-gold-nanorod complexes using coherent X-ray diffractive imaging at a free-electron laser.

This PhD position will focus upon the tools of structural analysis. More specifically, the PhD student will learn to process X-ray diffraction data collected at a free electron laser; will learn to analyze time-resolved X-ray scattering data collected using synchrotron radiation; and will utilize electron microscopy so as to validate the formation of protein-gold nanoparticle complexes.

The student will be placed at the division for biochemistry and structural biology, a highly international environment. This PhD position is complementary to another PhD position within the same grant framework, but focused upon producing mutant versions of a pH-activated prokaryotic ion channel adapted for chemical conjugation to gold nanoparticles. As such, the PhD student is expected to assist with wet-work in preparation for synchrotron or X-ray laser studies, and to actively participate in experiments at European synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser facilities.

The main task for the PhD student will be to apply and develop tools for the analysis of X-ray scattering data. The PhD student will also be required to perform molecular dynamics simulations of conformational changes in ligand gated ion channels using the simulations package Gromacs. These trajectories will be utilized to guide the fitting measured changes in X-ray scattering data against conformational changes in these proteins. Programming skills in Matlab and Python are essential. The PhD student will need to learn analytical methods in electron microscopy and is expected to assist with the purification of protein for synchrotron and X-ray free electron laser-based experiments.

At the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology the PhD students are an essential component of the teaching activities. The PhD student is expected to teach 10-20%, a common form of teaching is as lab assistant for educational practical exercises in bachelor and master courses. The teaching time is added as departmental duties to the standard 4-year PhD contract. 

Education at third-cycle level comprises four years of full-time study, and leads to a doctoral degree. 

Eligibility   

To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements: A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:

1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification,
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding program of relevance to the planned third-cycle program, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.

*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education

The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).  

Assessment criteria   

In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for the following criteria:

The candidate is expected to have good biochemical or biotechnical knowledge, previous experience with programming is important. The student should be able to collaborate with ease with other scientists within a larger team and have high quality communication skills. It is of great importance that the applicant can work independently, has the willingness to learn new skills and is fluent in English, both written language and for oral communication.

Employment   

Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, four years full time

Extent: 100 %

Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg

First day of employment: As soon as possible based on agreement

Once you have been admitted for education at third-cycle level, you will be employed as a doctoral student at the University of Gothenburg.

The provisions for employment as a doctoral student can be found in ordinance SFS 1993:100.    

Initial employment as a doctoral student may apply for a maximum of one year, and may be renewed by a maximum of two years at a time.  

A doctoral student may be employed as a doctoral student for a maximum of eight years, but the total period of employment may not be longer than the equivalent of full-time education at third-cycle level for four years. 

University applies local agreement on salaries of graduate students.  

Contact information 

Richard Neutze, professor, richard.neutze@gu.se

Julia Morud Lekholm, assistant professor, julia.morud@gu.se

Johanna Höög, lecturer, johanna.hoog@gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here:   
https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande   

Application   

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

You must include the following, in PDF format

• Personal letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Proof of completion of  English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies
• Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relation)

If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.

You can apply to be admitted for education at third-cycle level via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal.   

It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.     

Applications must be received by: 2024-05-17

Information for International Applicants 

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit: 

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services 
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/ 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.