2 PhD positions in biophysics and cell biology of protein aggregation

We are seeking two highly motivated PhD students for a research project focused on the role of protein aggregate formation and propagation in neurodegenerative disorders. Both positions will allow you to do research in a collaborative and interdisciplinary setting, where we combine biophysics with cell biology and bioimaging to address the molecular underpinnings of devastating diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Information about the research 
The PhD positions are placed in Elin Esbjörner's research group in the Chemical Biology division at Chalmers.
The group studies protein aggregation and amyloid formation from a biophysical and cell biological perspective. We have keen interest in understanding how amyloid proteins interact with endolysosomal trafficking compartments and exosomes in neurons, and to explore crosstalk between trafficking dysfunctions and protein aggregation in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and ALS. The two offered PhD projects are within this research scope. One will focus more specifically on Parkinson's pathology and one more generally on amyloid-trafficking crosstalk. Both project offer great possibilities for collaboration and to develop research skills in both biophysics and cell biology. In addition, the projects require use of advanced bioimaging and nanofluidic tools for single particle analysis.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your major responsibility is to perform research within the above-mentioned projects towards your degree. You will mainly work in the lab with tasks such as protein production, biophysical amyloid characterization, live cell studies (incl genetic engineering of cell lines), confocal imaging or flow cytometry. You will work as part of a team and are therefore required to collaborate in project planning as well as analysis and communication of results. In addition you are expected to acquire a deep knowledge within your research field, develop research independence and ability to write and publish scientific papers.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have (by latest end August 2021) have a master's level degree in biochemistry, biotechnology, biophysics, molecular biology, cell biology or other closely related discipline.

You must have demonstrated experience from experimental research of relevance (broadly) for the project, for example from your MSc Thesis work, advanced level courses with comprehensive lab modules or other equivalent qualifications (such as internships or summer jobs). You must have good collaborative and organizational skills and to be flexible towards learning new things. Previous experience from amyloid research or cell studies would be highly beneficial but not mandatory.

The position requires good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210225 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

- Curriculum vitae describing
a. Your educational background
b. Any specializations within your Master’s studies
c. Your Master Thesis project (including name and affiliation and contact details of your main supervisor)
d. Other merits of relevance for the position/project
e. Names and contact details of at least 2 reference persons

- An application letter of a maximum of 1-2 A4 pages describing
o why you are interested for in the announced PhD projects
o any preference for certain methods/concepts described in the advertisement
o your specific qualifications for the position
o your future goals and ambitions

- Attested copies of education certificates, including grade reports and other documents.
If your Master degree is not yet complete you need to submit transcripts of courses passed (with grades) AND a brief document detailing what parts of your degree that still are missing and when it will be complete. Note that you need to finish your MSc studies by end of August 2021 to be eligible to apply.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 30 May 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Elin Esbjörner, Chemical Biology, eline@chalmers.se, 0735131431

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!