PhD in solvent and biomolecular dynamics

Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and society, our ambition is to foster a creative environment for academic research, teaching and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

We are situated in a stimulating and creative environment with 200 physics teachers and researchers, 120 PhD students and 550 undergraduate students.
Information about the research/the project
This PhD project will be performed at the Condensed Matter Physics division at the Department of Applied Physics. The project concerns experimental studies of biological model systems with a specific focus on cryopreservation. It is well known that water is needed for life, but water is also a problem in the case of freeze storage of biomaterials, due to detrimental ice formation. The aim of this project is therefore to understand how the biomolecular dynamics is affected by partly replacing the water with a cryoprotectant, such as sugar. The findings will help us to understand the role of the solvent for cryopreservation of biomaterials and how it can be optimized. The project will be based on experimental studies, using mainly dielectric spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and neutron scattering.

Major responsibilities
The PhD position concerns a project on solvent and biomolecular dynamics with a specific goal to understand how the solvent can be optimized for cryopreservation of biomaterials. The successful candidate is expected to prepare all samples, perform all measurements and after some time taking a leading position in the project. The goal with a PhD-position is to develop general research proficiency and a high competence within your specific research area. As a PhD-student, you will primarily conduct research, often together with other researchers and PhD-students. You will also follow PhD courses, be involved in teaching activities, and participate in international conferences and networks. You are expected to write a licenciate thesis within 2-3 years and defend your doctoral thesis within 4-5 years. 

Position summary
The total time period for the position is limited to four years full time doctoral studies, or five years with 20% teaching load.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field. A master in physics, biophysics, biochemistry or biotechnology should be completed at the starting date. Excellent writing and communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your naive language, you are encouraged to learn it during your employment as a PhD student. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application deadline: 2014-01-15

For questions, please contact:
Professor Jan Swenson
Condensed Matter Physics
E-mail: jan.swenson@chalmers.se
Phone +46 31 772 5680




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