Doctoral student in biomedical sciences

Job description
The project is part of a five-year EU-Horizon2020 project, Bio4Comp, involving Linnaeus University, Lund University (H Linke), Technical University of Dresden (S Diez), Fraunhofer Institute (Munich), Molecular Sense Ltd (D Nicolau; Oxford), Bar-Ilan University (H Kugler; Ramat Gan). The overall aim is upscaling of a recently published (PNAS, 113:2591-6, 2016) proof of principle bio-nano-device for parallel computation to overcome shortcomings of conventional serial computers in solving combinatorial problems. In the device, myosin propelled actin filaments or kinesin propelled microtubules, solve problems by traversing nanofabricated mazes of different geometry. The focus of the current PhD project is on the actin-myosin biology and the interaction of this motor system with various artificial surfaces and environments. The specific aim is to achieve optimization of myosin driven actin filament motility with respect to longevity, speed and minimized error in the computational process. The work will encompass efforts for electronic filament detection and gated transport along predetermined channels. Interaction with the above mentioned partners will be important as well as with project sub-contractors (B Bugyi, Pecs, Hungary and Z Bryant, Stanford, CA). In Kalmar, the work will be performed in collaboration with a postdoc (under recruitment) focusing on actin filament dynamics. The lab as a whole is in a phase of expansion with one PhD student already working on the project and recruitment of one further postdoc with focus on myosin in health and disease (cardiomyopathies).

Requirements
A candidate fulfils the general entry requirements (as laid out in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen), Chapter 5 and 7) if he/she has


•
Completed a Master of Sciences degree or equivalent in a subject area of relevance for the project (chemistry, biology, biomedicine, biotechnology etc.)


•
Completed courses totalling at least 240 higher education credits (ETCS), of which at least 60 must be at second-cycle level in a related field, or have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in Sweden or abroad.



Specific requirements
The specific prerequisites for admission to graduate studies in biomedical sciences
are


• 30 credits from independent project work (thesis) in a field mentioned above or a related field at second-cycle level or equivalent


•
high proficiency in written and spoken English



Assessment grounds
Other assessment criteria are


•
experience and skills in fluorescence microscopy and protein purification and characterization


•
important personal qualities are creativity, good problem-solving skills, resiliency, independency but also capability to work in teams



Terms of employment: The vacancy is a fully funded full-time four years appointment with the objective to obtain a PhD, starting as soon as possible after application deadline.

Field of subject for the appointment: Biomedical sciences

Placement city: The department of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences in Kalmar

Application
Applicants should submit CV, documentations of exams, copy of Master thesis and reprints if available. A short motivation (< 1 A4 page, font 12) explaining the wish to work in the current project and have a PhD in Biomedical Sciences should be included. This motivation should include citations of recent work by Alf Månsson and co-workers. Finally, contact information (phone number and e-mail) for at least two reference persons should be given. Please apply through lnu.se, and go to “Meet Linnaeus University”. The application has to be registered no later than January 30th, 2017. Mark your application with reference number 2016/6831-2.2.1

For further information:
Please contact group leader: Professor Alf Månsson (alf.mansson@lnu.se). See also: http://lnu.se/personal/alf.mansson Head of Department, Päivi Jokela, tel. +46 (0) 480-44 6071, paivi.jokela@lnu.se Human Resources Consultant, Christian Andersson, tel. +46 (0) 470-70 8506, christian.andersson@lnu.se


Linnaeus University has the ambition to utilize the qualities that an even gender distribution and diversity brings to the organization.

Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. Applicants are requested to the application resolving CV, cover letter , a copy of a relevant essay , grades and certificates and other relevant documents. The applicant also requested to submit with their application a proposed research plan within the current area of research. All documents must be attached to digital in the application. The application and other documents shall be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.