PhD student in AI for Drug Development

   

at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute.

Closing date: 23 April 2024.

Research at the Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW) experimentally addresses fundamental problems in molecular cell biology, integrative biology, and infection and immunobiology. State-of-the-art and advanced methodologies are applied in a professional research environment characterized by its well-established international profile. The institute has 30 research groups with a research staff of 180, of which 65 are PhD students. Read more about MBW at www.su.se/mbw.

Project description 

This PhD student position is available in the laboratory headed by Dr. Patrick Bryant. The project addresses the creation of new AI tools for the evaluation and design of molecular interactions. The project will specifically be related to the 3D structure of proteins and other molecules such as DNA, RNA and pharmaceuticals and the prediction of interactions between these.

There will be a strong focus on developing machine learning tools and novel molecular representations. Fundamental knowledge of machine learning and programming as well as molecular biology is necessary. The tools developed will be tested rigorously through laboratory analyses to create new classes of pharmaceuticals and/or repurposing known drugs.

The spoken language in the lab and department is English, and the department offers a multicultural experience with scientists from all over the world. This position will take place at the Science for Life Laboratory in collaboration with MBW and SU.

Qualification requirements

In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, 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, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of molecular biosciences stipulates those applicants must have a completed university degree at an advanced level or at least 240 credits of university education (240 hp in Swedish universities), including at least 120 hp at the bachelor level in molecular biology, biology, chemistry or similar subject. Candidates should have completed courses at the advanced level in molecular biosciences or equivalent subjects (at least 60 hp), of which at least 30 hp represent independent research project work. Candidates who have other documented qualifications, obtained in Sweden or elsewhere, that are judged to provide equivalent knowledge are also qualified.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: The candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and 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 are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations.

Terms of employment 

Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

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

Contact

For more information, please contact Dr Patrick Bryant, patrick.bryant@scilifelab.se.

Union representatives

Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative, doktorandombud@sus.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses
• Project proposal/Research proposal describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement 
  – why and how you wish to complete the project 
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question%]
• Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)
• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

Closing date: 23/04/2024