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

Description of the workplace

The research at the division for Biophysical Chemistry is dedicated to the study of biomolecular interactions, structure and dynamics, with the aim of understanding biological systems and processes at the molecular level. The emphasis is on experimental and theoretical studies of the physical properties of proteins in solution.

The division of Biophysical Chemistry is part of the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS), Department of Chemistry.

CMPS offers a highly creative environment conducive to excellent research. CMPS is the proud home of several research groups that have received prestigious research grants, currently including 1 ERC-Consolidator, 1 ERC-Advanced, 1 ERC-Synergy, and 3 project grants awarded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. CMPS comprises research groups with competence in a range of biochemical and biophysical methods (please see: https://www.cmps.lu.se), thereby offering an excellent learning environment for PhD students and postdocs.

The current position is placed in Prof. Mikael Akke’s research group and is funded by the European Research Council. The project involves a collaboration between 3 research groups representing complementary expertise in biophysical methods: Mikael Akke (NMR spectroscopy) at Lund University, Kresten Lindorff-Larsen (molecular dynamics simulations and computational chemistry) at University of Copenhagen, and Eike Schulz (time-resolved X-ray crystallography) at the University Clinic Hamburg-Eppendorf. Our project studies ligand binding to proteins with the aim to describe the process in terms of structure, dynamics, kinetics, and energy landscapes. Fully staffed, the project will involve 2 PhD students and 1 postdoc in Lund, 2 PhD students and 1 postdoc in Copenhagen, and 1 PhD student and 1 postdoc in Hamburg. In addition, other projects in the Akke group involve 3 PhD students, 2 postdocs and 1 senior researcher.

The NMR facility at the Department of Chemistry houses an 800 MHz Bruker NEO instrument with 4 channels and a 5 mm TCI Z-gradient CryoProbe with cooled preamplifiers for 1H, 13C, 15N, and 2H, and a 600 MHz Bruker Avance NEO with 4 channels and a 5 mm QCI(P) Z-gradient CryoProbe 1H-19F/13C/15N/31P. The NMR facility is serviced by a full-time facility manager.

Subject description

The project studies ligand binding to proteins with the aim to describe the process in terms of structure, dynamics, kinetics, and energy landscapes. You will learn and apply advanced NMR relaxation experiments to study conformational changes in proteins during ligand binding.

Work duties

PhD student in Biophysical Chemistry.

The work involves biophysical experiments, in particular multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Isotope-enriched protein samples are generated using bacterial expression systems and chromatographic purification.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20% on average). The division is responsible for courses in physical chemistry, NMR spectroscopy and biophysical chemistry.

Admission requirements

An applicant meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle (PhD) courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle (MSc) 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 (MSc), or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

An applicant meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle (PhD) studies in Biophysical Chemistry if the applicant has:

• an MSc in Engineering or other comparable degree with significant components of mathematics, molecular sciences and life sciences. Depending on the student’s research project, second-cycle (MSc) courses in physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry, protein science and/or molecular spectroscopy may be required.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete
the program.

Additional requirements:

Very good oral and written proficiency in English. Master of Science in Chemical Engineering/Biotechnology Engineering with molecular focus or a similar education at the master’s level.  Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills.

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. 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:

Experience in biophysical chemistry. Good molecular understanding. Experience with laborative experimental project work. Practical experience with protein NMR spectroscopy.

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

We offer
Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

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 §§.

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.).

Eligibility
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.

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

Welcome to apply!