PhD student in Biophysics

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab (SciLifeLab) is a national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is a national resource hosted by Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center also collaborates with several other universities.

The employment will be placed at the Department of biochemistry and biophysics, at Stockholm university. More information about us, please visit: www.dbb.su.se.

Project description

Your studies in Biochemistry will be in the project: "Experimental investigation of the structure and function of asymmetric membranes".

Lipid bilayers are ubiquitous and functional biological interfaces. Extensive research has revealed how lipid chemistry affects the physical properties of bilayers with two compositionally identical leaflets. However, cells tune the properties of their membranes not only by making different types of lipids but also by regulating how these lipids are distributed between the two membrane leaflets. Mammalian plasma membranes, for example, have leaflets that can differ in both lipid composition and overall lipid abundance. How these two types of asymmetries affect bilayer properties and protein-membrane interactions is very poorly understood, yet critical for elucidating the functional roles of lipid organization in cells.

The goal of this project is to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of interleaflet asymmetry on membrane biophysical properties. A central part of the project will be the development of experimental protocols for detecting and quantifying lipid imbalances between the two leaflets in model liposomes, which is needed to fully characterize their asymmetry in vitro. This will be achieved with single-particle techniques based on e.g. cryogenic electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and fluorescence. Bilayer properties will be measured with techniques including fluorescence microscopy, NMR and small-angle neutron and X-ray scattering. The work will involve both performing the experiments and analyzing the collected data with appropriate computational tools and models.

A second part of the project will be focused on characterizing the effects of asymmetry on protein-membrane interactions in both model and biological membranes. The work may thus involve protein purification, liposome reconstitution and cell culture and experimentation. Both parts of the project will include close collaboration with other lab members and external collaborators. Generated hypotheses will be tested in vitro but also with computational simulations, which can be either self-implemented or conducted in collaboration with other researchers.

Overall, the work will be heavily based on the willingness and ability to learn, implement and critically evaluate various approaches and develop creative solutions to problems while paying close attention to detail.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements for acceptance in the Biophysics program, the applicant must have passed courses within the first and second cycles of at least 120 credits in Physics or Chemistry and at the second level, courses of at least 60 credits Biophysics, Biochemistry or Physical Chemistry including a 30 credit Degree Project (thesis).

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to successfully complete the program. Important criteria when assessing this capacity are; documented knowledge and skill in the field of the thesis project, written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the employment

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact Assistant Professor Milka Doktorova, milka.doktorova@dbb.su.se.

General information about the PhD programs can be given by the Director of Doctoral Studies, Andreas Barth, andreas.barth@dbb.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.