Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy. A third cycle education at our department will lead to a Ph.D. in Natural sciences, or Natural sciences with a specialisation in Chemistry or Biology. Ph.D. studies comprises four years at the post graduate level. The time period can be extended to 5 years in total through teaching and/or other departmental duties.
Westenhoff's research group, where this position is placed, has the goal to uncover structural dynamics of proteins and chemical reactions. The research is placed at the interface of biology, chemistry and physics. We develop new methods based on infrared spectroscopy and time-resolved X-ray scattering to achieve this goal.
We are looking for two doctoral student within Westenhoffs ERC projekt "MolStrucDyn" and his VR project "Structural intermediates of cryptochromes and photolyases visualized by serial femtosecond X-ray crystallography".
The objectives of the projects are to determine structural changes in photosensor proteins. We plan use ultrashort X-ray pulses from free electron laser sources to reach these goals.
You are expected to be involved in all steps of the project, i. e. to prepare and to perform experiments and to analyze and to publish the data. The choice of sub-project will be adjusted to the successful candidate's interest and experiences.
Working duties may include:
planning, preparation, and implementation of time-resolved X-ray diffraction experiments at free electron laser sources.
A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:
1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification,
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
To meet the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies, applicants must: (i) have a second-cycle (advanced-level) degree in a relevant* subject area in the natural sciences, or (ii) have completed studies for at least 60 higher education credits at a second-cycle level in relevant subject areas in the natural sciences, or (iii) have completed a corresponding programme of relevance to the planned third-cycle programme, in Sweden or in another country, or have equivalent qualifications.
*Relevant for the planned third-cycle education
The specific entry requirements also include an acceptable command of spoken and written English. Guidelines for assessing English proficiency may include a minimum score of 550 on the TOEFL test (or 213 on the TOEFL-CBT, or 79 on the TOEFL-iBT).
As a competitive candidate you
hold a degree (Masters/ or equivalent, see above for more details)
have documented research experience in biochemistry, structural biology, or an area related to the project.
have the proven ability to work independently and result-driven in a research project.
are a dynamic team player.
In return, you will be given extensive creative space to develop the project, significant resources to produce cutting edge results, and you will profit from being part of our highly collaborative team.
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80.
* We will give preference to candidates, which are likely to succeed exceptionally well within the project.
* Documented experience in biochemistry, structural biology, or biophysics are necessary. Experience in scientific programming, molecular modelling or crystallography are a merit.
* The ability to work independently on a research project are a merit.
* The ability to work effectively in a team are also a merit.
Type of employment: Fixed-term employment, Four years full time
Extent: 100 %
Location: Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, Gothenburg
First day of employment: According to agreement
Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for education on a doctoral level are given in SFS 1998:80.
A new employment as a PhD student applies for a maximum of one year. The Appointment may be prolonged for up to two years at a time. The total employment period may not be longer than the equivalent of four years of full time doctoral studies.
University applies local agreement on salaries of graduate students.
The application shall include:
Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position
CV including scientific publications
Copy of exam certificate
Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)
Please contact Sebastian Westenhoff, professor, westenho from chem.gu.se, 0766183936 for specific questions regarding the position.
For instructions on how to apply, please refer to: http://bit.ly/2Gdq1tf
