Doctoral student in structural biology

Subject description

Molecular Biophysics includes the study of the structure, dynamics and function of proteins and nucleic acids using physical and biochemical methods. The division mainly focuses on studies of proteins using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy in order to determine their structures and study their interactions with other molecules. Studies carried out at the Division of Biochemistry and Structural Biology focus on a number different proteins and peptides of interest in fundamental and applied science, particularly in health and biotechnology. These investigations include the structural analysis of proteins and drug-receptor complexes.

Work duties

The research project involves structural studies of the ribonucleotide reductase family of enzymes and NrdR, their associated transcription factor in bacteria. In particular, we are interested in the role of the small, evolutionarily mobile nucleotide binding domain known as the ATP-cone in allosteric regulation of enzymatic activity and transcription. We use a combination of structural and biophysical techniques, including X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, microscale thermophoresis etc. The project will also involve protein production in bacteria and purification and may involve some NMR studies.

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

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

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

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Molecular Biophysics if they have

• a minimum of 120 credits from chemistry courses, including basic courses in biochemistry or cell biology
• of which at least 30 credits must be from a second-cycle degree project in the area of specialisation or a closely related specialisation.

The specific entry requirements can also be fulfilled through an equivalent programme. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

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:

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

Other assessment criteria:

It will be an advantage if the applicant has applied experimental structural biology techniques in a second cycle project equivalent to at least 30 hp (20 weeks) and is familiar with practical and computational aspects of the subject.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their 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 §§. Start date 2024-09-01.

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.).