PhD student in Biochemistry

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: "In Situ Cryo-EM of Native Glucose
Transporters ".

Sugar transporters play essential roles in cell metabolism and signaling, yet many aspects of their mechanisms and conformational dynamics remain unresolved. Our group combines biochemical, biophysical, and structural approaches to dissect the transport cycle of key sugar transporters from human and microbial systems. This project will use state-of-the-art in situ cryo-EM to determine the native architecture, assembly, and regulation of GLUT transporters directly within near-native vesicular systems. You will be part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment at SciLifeLab, with access to world-class facilities in cryo EM.

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.

Specific entry requirements, for acceptance in the Biochemistry program the applicant must have passed courses within the first and second cycles of at least 120 credits in Biochemistry/Life Science, including at least 15 credits Biochemistry at the second cycle level and a Degree Project (thesis) also in Biochemistry of 30 credits.

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.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student with experience in enzymology and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). MSc (or equivalent) in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or a related field. Demonstrated experience n cryo-EM, ideally including sample preparation, data collection, or image processing. Familiarity with membrane proteins or transporter biology is an advantage. This position is fully funded through a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant, focusing on the function and dynamics of sugar transporters.

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 Professor David Drew, david.drew@scilifelab.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.