PhD student position in chemistry with focus on biochemistry - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

Project description
In photosynthesis the sunlight energy is captured and converted into carbohydrates, whereby oxygen is formed as a by-product. As to which proteins are involved in this process, today we have quite detailed knowledge. On the other hand, very little is known about how these protein complexes are assembled or disassembled, and how they are refined to compensate for fast and changing light and temperature conditions. In this project we want to investigate this regulatory process.

In this project we work with the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, as a model organism. The work involves the purification of organelles and proteins in cold rooms, as well as analyzes of these biochemically (SDS-PAGE, Western blot mm) and biophysical (spectroscopy such as PAM, FCS and EPR). The project focus will be on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS).The research is carried out in cooperation with both national and international research groups, which will lead to that certain analyzes will be carried out elsewhere inside or outside Sweden.

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications. To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question. Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject. Specially merits are courses at advanced level in biochemistry. The applicant must have basic theoretical knowledge in plant biology through university studies or equivalent education. Good knowledge in English in writing and talking is a must, as all work and documentation take place in English. Social competence and a genuine interest in science in general and teaching is a must. Knowledge of plant cultivation (especially Arabidopsis and its mutants) is a must and experience of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a merit.

Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
• A Curriculum Vitae
• A certified copy of the highest degree certificate
• Documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades and other relevant certificates
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system. The last day to apply is 2018-10-26.

For more information please contact Professor Wolfgang Schröder, phone 090-7866974, email; Wolfgang.Schroder@umu.se

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 40 PhD students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: http://www.teknat.umu.se/english/doctoral-studies/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/