PhD student in Biochemistry

Uppsala University

Application deadline

July 14, 2023



PhD student in Biochemistry

Uppsala University, Disciplinary Domain of Science and Technology, Faculty of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry – BMC

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Chemistry – BMC conducts research and education in analytical chemistry, biochemistry and organic chemistry. More than 100 people, including around 45 PhD students, work at the department. New employees and students are recruited from all over the world and English is the main working language. The department is located at the Biomedical Centre in Uppsala, which facilitates collaborations with research groups in biology, pharmacy, medicine and SciLifeLab and gives access to advanced infrastructure for experimental and theoretical studies. The international environment and good opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations enables PhD students at the department to participate in relevant research projects and prepare for an international research career.

Read more about the research at The Department of Chemistry – BMC at our website

The PhD project will conduct research on proteins, with focus on enzymes, with the aim to establish fundamental relationships between protein structure and function. The research will further include directed enzyme evolution as a route to the generation of new enzymes of tailored functional properties. Such variant enzymes can be both study objects of fundamental structure-activity relationships, and for the generation of biocatalysts for mainly asymmetric synthesis. The PhD project will be integrated into ongoing activities within the Widersten group. You can read more about the current research here.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Duties

The main duties of PhD students are to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (not more than 20 % of full time). 

Requirements

  • To be eligible for doctoral education, a basic higher education equivalent to at least 240 ECTS credits, including at least 60 ECTS credits at Master’s level, including an independent project equivalent to at least 15 credits, or has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way, more information about the general requirements can be found here.
  •  A person has special eligibility for a doctoral program in biochemistry if he/she has passed examinations in courses in biochemistry (or other subjects relevant to biochemistry) comprising a total of at least 120 higher education credits or the equivalent. The courses shall comprise at least 90 credits in chemistry, including at least 45 credits in biochemistry of which at least 15 credits shall consist of a project in biochemistry. More information about the subject specific requirements can be found here
  •  Very good English proficiency in speech and writing. 

Additional qualifications

Documented skills of methodology in molecular biology such as gene cloning, heterologous protein expression and protein production are merits. Experience of enzymological studies are also of special merit.

Doctoral students are normally engaged for teaching at undergraduate and graduate level. Previous experience from teaching/mentoring, even from environments outside the school/university, as well as other outreach activities may therefore be meritorious.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:  Mikael Widersten, phone: +46 73 695 1863; e-mail: mikael.widersten@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 14 July 2023, UFV-PA 2023/2473.

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Last updated: 2023-06-13

Content Responsible: victor kuismin(victor.kuismin@scilifelab.uu.se)