Doctoral student in Integrative Computational Chemistry: Life Science

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 which ranges from basic to applied research areas. 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 post graduate students. The number of full time students enrolled in undergraduate studies is almost 500.

At the division of Computational Chemistry, we study statistical thermodynamics, suspension dynamics, and quantum chemistry. While we have a strong focus on fundamental research and model development, our methods have been applied on a diverse range of systems such as Life Sciences, clay, cement, sea water, dental environments, wood fibers, 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 to 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 Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry, from LU. Her primary research focuses on intrinsically disordered proteins and biomolecular interactions: From bulk solution to surface interaction. The main techniques are atomistic and coarse grained molecular dynamics simulations in combination with biophysical solution and surface adsorption techniques, as X-ray and neutron scattering.  Skepö research group consists currently of three PhD students and two postdocs, whereas two PhD-students and one postdoc will start in 2025. On a yearly basis, Skepö supervises two-three master/summer project students as well. Skepö has supervised eight Ph.D. students to completion as main supervisor, and eight postdocs. For more information, please see https://www.teokem.lu.se/people/seniors/skepoe/#/.

Work duties

The title of the project is: Structural and Dynamic Insights into Cancer Proteins: Advancing Precision Medicine Through Integrative Computational and Experimental Approaches. This project is situated to train the next generation of life scientists by offering the student an opportunity to engage with cutting edge computational and experimental techniques. The interdisciplinary Nature of the project, combining structural biology, data science, and computational modeling, aligns perfectly with the emerging trends in data driven life sciences. The student will develop expertise in both experimental and computational domains, learning to apply advanced data science methods to biological problems while gaining insight into the molecular mechanisms underpinning cellular processes.

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 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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Computational Chemistry if the applicant has:

• At least 120 credits of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits from a second cycle degree project within computational chemistry or closely related specialisations. Sixty credits in physics and 60 credits in mathematics also meet the requirements for theoretical chemistry. The specific entry requirement may also have been obtained through other equivalent education.

Additional requirements:

Very good oral and written proficiency in English. Courses in physical chemistry, scattering technqiues, surgface and colloid chemistry, statistical thermodynamics, protein chemistry, biochemistry, biophysical chemistry, mathematics, and programming are an advantage. Very good knowledge about atomistic molecular dynamics simulations Experience in analyzing scattering-data. Previous practical experience of small angle X-ray scattering and synchotron radiation circular dichroism of 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 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:

• 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 (1/2 A4-page) 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.).