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

Subject description

The Department of Chemistry belongs to both the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Engineering (LTH) at Lund University. The Department of Chemistry has a unique strength for Sweden with education in all areas of chemistry and research by internationally leading research groups, ranging from basic to applied research. The department also has the advanced instrumentation needed in modern molecular research. The Department of Chemistry has about 310 employees, of whom about 170 are postgraduate students. The number of full-time students enrolled in undergraduate studies is almost 500.

In the Division of Computational Chemistry, we study biophysical chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, suspension dynamics, and quantum chemistry. While we strongly focus on fundamental research and model development, our methods have been applied to various systems such as Life Sciences, clay, cement, seawater, dental environments, wood fibres, sand, and dairy products! We also have a well-equipped experimental lab for preparing protein samples and conducting physical chemistry measurements. Moreover, we have a new BioSAXS at our disposal: https://www.compchem.lu.se/the-biosaxs-instrument/.

Marie Skepö is a professor of Theoretical Chemistry and an Excellent Teacher Practitioner at the Science Faculty, LU, Sweden. Her background is in surface- and colloid chemistry, and she has a PhD. in Physical Chemistry from LU. Her primary research focuses on intrinsically disordered proteins and bio-molecular interactions, From bulk solution to surface interaction. The lipid bilayers and clay surface play an essential role in the latter. The main techniques are atomistic and coarse-grained molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations in combination with biophysical solution and surface adsorption techniques, predominantly X-ray and neutron scattering. Skepö is vice director of LINXS, Institute of Advanced X-ray and Neutron Scattering, Head of the Division of Computational Chemistry, and Assistant Head of the Department of Chemistry at LU. Skepö research group currently consists of two PhD students and two postdocs, whereas two PhD students and two postdocs will start in 2024. Every year, Skepö supervises two or three master/summer project students as well. Skepö has supervised nine PhD students to completion, six as the principal supervisor, and eight postdocs. For more information, please see https://www.teokem.lu.se/people/seniors/skepoe/#/.

Work duties

This project aims to use an integrative approach, combining computer simulations with X-ray and neutron scattering, to study intrinsically disordered proteins in solution and their interaction with the vesicles mimicking the cell membrane. For this purpose, a combined experimental and theoretical approach will be used, where the former corresponds to small angle scattering and neutron reflectometry and the latter to atomistic molecular dynamics and coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulations. The project also includes programming new analysis routines and developing coarse-grained and atomistic models. Moreover, you will attend beamtimes international conferences, participate in periodic project meetings and training schools, and take specialised courses at different universities to complement your knowledge. A certain amount of travelling is foreseen concerning these activities.

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/can 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 the applicant:

• 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. 

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Courses in physical chemistry, scattering techniques, surface and colloid chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, protein chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, mathematics, and programming are an advantage.
• Very good knowledge of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations
• Experience in analysing scattering data.
• Previous practical experience in X-ray/neutron scattering of intrinsically disordered proteins.

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 based on 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 the 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.

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 §§.

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.).