Doctoral student in biochemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

Protein interactions and self-assembly. 

Work duties

Research and methods development in the area protein interactions and self-assembly. The goal is to understand how and to what extent short-range interactions between building blocks govern the assembled and self-assembled structures at longer length-scales. Methods development will concern screening techniques and methodology for detailed physico-chemical analyses of equilibrium and kinetics in the associating systems.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%). 

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

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

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in biochemistry if he or she has:

• education at advanced level within molecular science, including the physico-chemical basis for biomolecular interactions.
  

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Very good knowledge of physical and biophysical chemistry.
• Very good knowledge of Matlab, Python or similar script language.
• Practical experience of handling and studies of proteins in solution.
• Practical experience and theoretical knowledge of dynamic light scattering, analytical chromatography.
• Practical experience and theoretical knowledge of ligand binding as regards affinity and cooperativity. 

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• A strong preference is given to applicants with a master’s degree in engineering, directed towards nanotechnology, chemical engineering, or biotechnology.
• A strong preference is given to applicants with a completed master thesis regarding biomolecular association coupled to ligand binding.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment
Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. 

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).