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

Subject description

Physical chemistry includes research directed towards molecular questions. The experimental and theoretical methods used often have their origins in physics. Within physical chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, the emphasis is on experimental and theoretical research in surface and colloid chemistry, with special emphasis on self-aggregating systems. Surfactants, polymers and biomolecules are examples of systems being studied.

The doctoral project deals with the protein α-synuclein and how it interacts with lipid membranes. α-Synuclein is a protein present in presynaptic termini of nerve cells. The protein is associated with Parkinson’s disease, in which case it has been found to self-assemble into long amyloid fibrils that are also rich in lipids. The healthy synaptic function of the protein is proposed to involve membrane interactions. The present project aims at an understanding of the interaction between α-synuclein and lipid membranes, and how such interactions may lead to either membrane remodeling or amyloid formation depending on the composition of the systems, including its chemical and physical properties. This includes for example protein sequence identity, lipid composition, pH, electrolyte composition, etc. All these aspects will be investigated in this project.

The PhD student will be part of a collaborative network of students and researchers at the divisions of Physical Chemistry (http://www.fkem1.lu.se) as well as Biochemistry and Structural Biology (http://www.cmps.lu.se/biostruct/) at Lund University.

Work duties

The project includes experimental studies of protein-membrane interactions, with the aim to reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms of cooperative protein binding to membranes, as well as the consequences of protein-membrane association on membrane remodeling and induced protein aggregation. The studies will mainly focus on the amyloid protein α-synuclein and model lipid membranes or defined but varied composition. The experimental studies will include the use of several state-of-the art techniques, including cryo-electron and fluorescence confocal microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, optical spectroscopy as well as light and X-ray scattering methods.

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
• 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 physical chemistry if he or she has:

• At least 120 higher education credits must consist of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 higher education credits are master's degree projects in the chosen major or closely related majors. The special authorization may also have been obtained through other equivalent training, which is tested in each individual case.

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Master’s degree, or equivalent, with focus on physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry or equivalent, including advanced level courses in soft matter, surface- and colloid chemistry, biophysical chemistry or equivalent. 

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

• Documented experience of scientific experimental studies of self- and co-assembly processes in lipid, peptide and/or protein systems is a great advantage, as well as both hand-on and theoretical knowledge of one or several of the experimental methods mentioned above.
• The candidate should have the ability to work in a team and collaborate with people from complementary disciplines.

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. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§. 

Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

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.).

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.