PhD student in chemistry, specializing in biophysical chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is seeking a PhD student in chemistry specializing in biophysical chemistry. The doctoral student's project will explore protein movements, reactions, and functions. The employment is for four years of doctoral studies, which involves independent research and participation in courses at the doctoral level. The application deadline is 2026-10-15. The start date is 2026-12-01 or by agreement.

Project description and duties

Thesis topic: Studies of conformational dynamics in membrane proteins using time-resolved X-ray serial crystallography (TR-XSS)

Do you want to explore how proteins move, react, and function?

You will become part of a research team at Umeå universitet in Sweden and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in France and spend three years in France followed by one year in Sweden. During this time, you will receive training in molecular biology techniques to produce medically important membrane proteins, and you will explore new sample handling techniques that make it possible to capture structural dynamics using time-resolved X-ray serial crystallography. You will be placed at ID09, which is a state-of-the-art experimental station for following molecular processes as they occur.

In this doctoral project, you will study two biologically and medically important membrane proteins: the zinc-transporting ATPase SsZntA and the dopamine D2 receptor. Using laser-activated photocleavable 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 knowledge of how these proteins function at the molecular level and provide insight into mechanisms central to membrane protein function.

An important part of the project will also be to develop and apply improved TR-XSS workflows that extend the available time interval and reduce sample consumption. These method 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 groundbreaking 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 competence and gain very good prospects for future opportunities within academia, research infrastructure, and the life science sector.

Eligibility and qualifications

Basic eligibility is granted to those who have completed a degree at an advanced level, fulfilled course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level, or have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in any other way, within or outside the country.

To meet the requirement for special eligibility for admission to doctoral studies in chemistry, the applicant must have a basic higher education of at least 90 higher education credits in chemistry or other subjects deemed directly relevant to the current specialization. Of the 90 higher education credits, at least 15 higher education credits at an advanced level within the specialization, or equivalent, must be included. The requirements for prior knowledge as stated above are also considered met by those who have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in another order. The eligibility requirements must be met at the time of admission, but do not need to be met when you submit your application.

Other requirements are:

Good knowledge of English, both oral and written, is required, as well as a great interest in biophysics, biochemistry, and/or structural biology. Candidates must not have resided or conducted their main activity (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).

Merit is given for:

Experience in protein production and protein purification and/or development of code in Python, as well as experience in biophysical characterization of biological systems.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral studies.

About the employment

The employment is intended for a doctoral degree, and the doctoral student's main task is to devote themselves to their doctoral studies, which includes participation in the research projects described above as well as in doctoral training courses. Duties may include teaching and other departmental work (maximum 20%). The employment is time-limited to four years full-time or up to five years with part-time teaching.

For the first three years, the doctoral student will be employed by and based at ESRF. For more info about employment terms during this period: What we offer. In the fourth year, the doctoral student will be employed by and based at Umeå universitet. More info about working at Umeå universitet: Jobba hos oss. Salary placement is according to the established salary scale for doctoral positions.

Application

You apply via our recruitment system no later than 2026-10-15. The application shall consist of the following documents written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

A concise description of why you are applying for the position and how your qualifications and experiences are relevant to the project described above (maximum two pages), curriculum vitae (CV) copy of degree certificates including documentation of completed higher education courses, grades, and any additional certificates or credentials relevant to the project, copy of thesis and any publications (maximum five), names and contact information for at least two references

Application documents must be in MS Word or PDF.

More information

For more information, contact Professor, Magnus Andersson, email: magnus.p.andersson@umu.se ; Beamline manager, Matteo Levantino, email: matteo.levantino@esrf.fr.