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

Subject description

Physical Chemistry covers research relating to molecular issues. The experimental and theoretical methods used often originate from physics. The emphasis in Physical Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry is on research, both experimental and theoretical, within surface and colloidal chemistry and with a special focus on self-aggregating systems. The systems studied include surfactants, polymers and biomolecules. 

Work duties

Non-lamellar lipid aqueous phases, such as reverse cubic or hexagonal phases, are ubiquitous in nature and they present a curve lipid aqueous interface on the nanoscale that have implications for biomolecular interactions. This has been increasingly recognized but is not yet fully understood. The curvature of the lipid aqueous interfaces in these phases leads to the formation of the aqueous cavities that depends on the lipid composition, water content and temperature. The focus of this project is on the cavities formed in lipid sponge phase, which are flexible bilayer structures that feature large aqueous cavities. These systems and the possibilities they offer to act as matrices bioactive molecules like enzymes or even large complexes of bioactive molecules. They can be dispersed in aqueous buffer into colloidal stable particles, in which entrapped active biomolecules are protected from degradation at same time as their release can be controlled. Fundamental insight on a simple model system is expected to increase our understanding of more complex biological system, like the mitochondria.

The work includes studies of non-lamellar lipid liquid crystalline phases. The proposed project has two main objectives:

1. Develop and utilize the lipid sponge phases to entrap functional biomolecules. The project will fully exploit and extend previous work on sponge phases both as liquid crystalline bulk phases and as dispersed liquid crystalline nanoparticles.
2. Reveal the effect of lipid sponge phases confinement at interfaces. The purpose is to design responsive and biofunctional lipid-based surface films.

By combining scattering techniques, reflectometry, dynamic measurements as neutron spin-echo techniques, and theoretical modelling; the knowledge of how to tune the structure and dynamics of the lipid sponge phases to control enzyme/protein entrapment, as well as the release and activity will be significantly increased. This involves both bulk dispersions and interfacial films. For the flexible sponge phases, revealing the dynamic footprint is as important as the knowledge about the structure.

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 include 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
• Satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• Acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

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

• A minimum of 120 credits are to derive from chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits from a second-cycle degree project in the chosen specialisation or a closely related specialisation.
• The specific admission requirement can also be fulfilled through another equivalent programme, which is assessed in each specific case.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• You need a Master's degree in physical/biophysical chemistry, physics or equivalent.
• Good knowledge in one or several of the experimental methods: advanced microscopy, surface techniques, and scattering methods is necessary, and experience of computer modeling is an advantage. 

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:

Laboratory experience in handling lipid formulations and biomacromolecules is also a merit.

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 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.).