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 Dr. Angus Robertson’s research group and is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR). The project studies folding, aggregation, and phase separation of several proteins of biomedical interest, principally using the newly developed Pressure-Jump NMR (PJ-NMR) methodology. We will investigate the thermodynamic driving forces behind these processes with a view to inform both our fundamental understanding as well as future therapeutic efforts.

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; a 600 MHz Bruker Avance NEO with 4 channels and a 5 mm QCI(P) Z-gradient CryoProbe 1H-19F/13C/15N/31P; and a 500 MHz Varian Innova S spectrometer with a wide range of double and triple resonance RT probes. The NMR facility is serviced by one full-time facility manager.

Subject description

The project studies protein folding and biomolecular assembly processes in terms of structure, dynamics, kinetics, and energy landscapes. You will learn to use, develop, and apply advanced NMR methods to study protein folding, aggregation, and phase separation.

Work duties

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.

Specifically, the work will involve:

• Biophysical experiments, in particular multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy at static and varying hydraulic pressure.
• Production of recombinant, isotopically enriched, protein samples using bacterial expression systems and chromatographic purification.
• Prompt, reproducible, and high-quality data analysis and reporting.

Admission requirements

An applicant meets the general admission requirements to enter into third-cycle (PhD) courses and study programmes if the applicant (at the point of entry):

• 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 to enter into third cycle (PhD) studies in Biophysical Chemistry if the applicant has (at the point of entry):

• 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:

Excellent 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:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. 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:

• Experience in biophysical chemistry.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and (bio)molecules.
• Experience with experimental laboratory project work.
• Practical experience with protein NMR spectroscopy.
• Experience working with high-pressure scientific instrumentation.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through their 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. 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
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).
  
  

 We welcome all applications!