PhD Student in Chemistry, with specialization in Biophysical Chemistry

Umeå Universitet · Vollzeit

Umeå universitet, Umeå, Schweden

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry with a specialization in biophysical chemistry. The PhD student's project will explore protein motions, reactions, and functions. The position is for four years of doctoral research, which includes independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. Application deadline is October 15, 2026. Start date is December 1, 2026, or by agreement. Project Description and Responsibilities Thesis Topic: Studies of conformational dynamics in membrane proteins using time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TR-XSS) Would you like to explore how proteins move, react, and function? You will join a research team at Umeå University in Sweden and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France, spending three years in France followed by one year in Sweden. During this time, you will receive training in molecular biological techniques to produce medically important membrane proteins, and you will explore new sample handling techniques that enable capturing structural dynamics using time-resolved X-ray solution scattering. You will be stationed at ID09, a state-of-the-art experimental beamline for following molecular processes as they occur. In this PhD project, you will study two biologically and medically important membrane proteins: the zinc-transporting ATPase SsZntA and the dopamine D2 receptor. Using laser-activated photolabile protecting groups (caged compounds), you will initiate ATP- and ligand-driven reactions and follow the resulting structural changes from milliseconds to seconds. This will provide insight into how these proteins function at the molecular level and reveal mechanisms central to membrane protein function. An important part of the project will also involve developing and applying improved TR-XSS workflows that extend the available time window and reduce sample consumption. These methodological developments will contribute to enabling time-resolved structural studies of challenging membrane proteins that are slow, complex, or difficult to produce in large quantities. The project offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge methods, advanced synchrotron experiments, and biologically highly relevant systems. By combining ambitious scientific questions with advanced experimental and analytical methods, you will develop strong interdisciplinary expertise and gain excellent prospects for future opportunities in academia, research infrastructure, and the life science sector. Eligibility and Qualifications Basic eligibility is held by someone who has completed a degree at the advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at the advanced level, or who has otherwise, within or outside the country, acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. To meet the requirement of special eligibility for admission to doctoral education in chemistry, the applicant must have basic university education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects assessed as directly relevant to the current specialization. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at the advanced level within the specialization, or equivalent, must be included. Prerequisites as stated above are considered met even by those who have otherwise acquired essentially equivalent knowledge. Eligibility requirements must be fulfilled at the time of admission, but need not be fulfilled when you submit your application. Other requirements are: Good knowledge of English, both spoken and written, is required, as well as a strong interest in biophysics, biochemistry, and/or structural biology. Candidates must not have been resident or conducted their main activities (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than twelve months during the three years immediately preceding the application deadline of October 15, 2026 (Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule). Meritorious qualifications include: Experience with protein production and protein purification and/or development of code in Python, as well as experience with biophysical characterization of biological systems. Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, initiative and independence, as well as how the applicant's experience and expertise are assessed to have the ability needed to complete doctoral studies. About the Position The position aims toward a doctoral degree, and the PhD student's main responsibility is to pursue doctoral research, which includes both participation in the research project described above and doctoral-level courses. Teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%) may be included in the work responsibilities. The position is time-limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching. For the first three years, the PhD student will be employed by and placed at ESRF. For more information about employment conditions during this period: What we offer. In the fourth year, the PhD student will be employed by and placed at Umeå University. More information about working at Umeå University: Jobba hos oss. Salary placement follows the established salary scale for doctoral student positions. Application You apply through our recruitment system by October 15, 2026. The application should consist of the following documents written in English (preferred) or Swedish: A brief description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and experience are relevant to the project described above (maximum two pages), curriculum vitae (CV) a copy of your degree certificate including documentation of completed university courses, grades, and any additional certificates or testimonials relevant to the project, a copy of your thesis and any publications (maximum five), name and contact information for at least two references Application documents should be in MS Word or PDF format. More Information For more information, contact Professor, Magnus Andersson, email: [email protected]; Beamline manager, Matteo Levantino, email: [email protected]. Open to All We focus on your expertise, not your other circumstances. We are open to adapting the role or workplace according to your needs.