Doctoral student in in Pure and Applied Biochemistry

Description of the workplace

The project will be formally based at the Division for Pure and Applied Biochemistry in collaboration with the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis at the Department of Chemistry, Engineering Faculty (LTH). The research at the Division for Pure and Applied Biochemistry covers a wide area, including protein engineering, plant biotechnology, biomedical nutritional research, separation and analysis of biomolecules, biomaterials, imprinted polymers, biosensors, enzyme technology, and industrial biotechnology. The Centre for Analysis and Synthesis houses groups focused on solid materials, their synthesis, and resulting properties, including hybrid materials combining inorganic, polymer, or biological materials.

Both divisions and the Department of Chemistry are well-equipped with many research instruments necessary to strengthen this research application and its feasibility. The proximity of the MAX-IV laboratory and ESS contributes to a strong environment for research and networking that will be utilised in the project. The workplace fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, encouraging interdisciplinary research and providing ample professional growth and development opportunities.

The divisions are involved in various cutting-edge projects, such as investigating new materials at the atomic level and developing advanced biocatalysts. For more information, you can visit the Department of Chemistry's website.  

Subject description

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team at LU. The project focuses on enhancing the catalytic efficiency and colloidal stability of manganese oxide-based nanozymes by integrating protein materials.

Impact: This research will significantly advance our understanding of the unique physicochemical properties of inorganic-organic hybrid materials, driven by the synergistic effects of their components.

Work duties

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 also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with partners at Lund University, combining competencies in experimental aspects (electron microscopy groups at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis) and data modelling (Computational Chemistry) and offering broad learning opportunities in a growing field of organic-inorganic hybrid materials science.

You are expected to be involved in all project steps, i.e. to prepare and perform experiments on instruments in the laboratory and at large-scale facilities, as well as to analyse and publish the data.

In return, you will be given ample creative space to develop the project's significant resources to produce cutting-edge results, and you will profit from being part of our highly collaborative team with complementary competencies.

The research involves

• the design and testing of experiments using a spectro electrochemical setup, as well as data analysis, including multivariate analysis.
• investigating how proteins and protein fragments contribute to the colloidal stability and catalytic efficiency of nanozymes.
• deriving a kinetic understanding of the molecular origins of nanoparticles' catalytic specificity.
• utilising advanced UV-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectro electrochemical instruments to gather kinetic and transient data.
• developing kinetic models to analyse species' kinetics, surface heterogeneity, pattern formation, and migration in hybrid nanozymes.

Working duties may specifically include:

• planning, preparing, and implementing X-ray / Neutron / Electron microscopy experiments.
• identification and publication of the results.
• scientific collaboration within and outside the group and within the consortium.
• communication of the results (scientific articles and conference contributions)

 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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Pure and Applied Biochemistry if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits in the subject, of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
• an MSc in Engineering, other Master's degree or other comparable degree that included basic or applied bioscience

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A background in structural biology, physical chemistry, protein chemistry, protein biophysics, enzyme catalysis or bio-nanomaterials.
• Experience with electrochemistry is considered important.
• Add any further requirements (experience and knowledge) deemed necessary for completing the third cycle programme.

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:

• Experiences to supervise younger researchers.
• International experience is considered positive.
• Experiences in scientific programming, electron microscopy and/or scattering are merits.
• Experiences in electrochemistry, enzyme catalysis, and/or structural analysis are advantageous for the candidate.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme (e.g. writing scientific publications).

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. The workplace fosters a collaborative and supportive atmosphere, encouraging interdisciplinary research and providing ample professional growth and development opportunities.

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.).

Welcome to apply!