PhD student in Chemistry

At Linköping University we embrace innovative thinking. Constantly challenging ourselves has been our strongest motivator ever since we opened our doors in 1975. We are driven by seeking answers beyond the traditional and across subject boundaries. If you are too, we would like to see you at our university. Together we can find solutions to the challenges of the day.

The Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology conducts research and offers education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Research, the predominant activity, is often done in collaboration with corporate and international partners. We are one of the university’s largest, oldest and most well known departments, encompassing five interacting scientific fields: biology, chemistry, material physics, applied physics and theory and modelling.
Read more at www.ifm.liu.se

LINKÖPING UNIVERSITY
Hereby advertises a position as

PhD student in Chemistry
formally based at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM)

Description
Our goal is to expand the understanding of multimodular signaling mechanisms in biomedicine by small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). While conformational signaling is fundamental to biology, it remains a challenge for study due to the size range and dynamics of the assemblies of interest. Crystallography and NMR can provide structures and interaction surfaces with atomistic detail, but are seriously challenged in providing structural information over the larger dimensions required for understanding multimodular interactions.Small-angle scattering of neutrons (SANS) and X-rays (SAXS) is however well suited to measuring structural rearrangements over longer distances. Novel methodology for segmental isotopic labeling can further resolve modular domain rearrangements within individual proteins.

In this project, the student will apply the techniques above with a special focus on multimodular complexes in transcription, related to ubiquitination and cancer biology. Specific molecular targets will include the multimodular E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 and its interactions, as well as the oncoprotein c-Myc and its interactions with multimodular interacting partners. The project will also include computational modelling against SANS and other biophysical experimental data, and will be pursued in close collaboration with researchers in medical biology and molecular medicine.

The proposed research program will be conducted on a full-time basis at Linköping University, with working visits at national and international neutron and x-ray scattering facilities. The successful applicant will be enrolled in the research school SwedNess (Swedish Neutron Education for Science & Society). 

This PhD student position is part of SwedNess (www.SwedNess.se), the Swedish national graduate school for neutron scattering where Linköping University is one of the responsible academic institutions. The school is fully funded by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) and aims to educate a new generation of highly skilled neutron experts. Each PhD student is fully funded from the start, including salary and a sufficient running budget. The latter will give the student possibilities to travel to external experiments and to visit international facilities, institutions and conferences. 

Qualifications
The applicant must hold a Master of Science or equivalent in Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Biology, Nanobiology or equivalent. It is an advantage to have prior experimental experience of what is described in the Job description above – in particular experience of small angle scattering, molecular biology and protein production and purification.

Qualified to PhD studentships are only those who are or have been admitted to graduate studies.

Appointment time
The Ph.D. employment is for 4 years. During this period the research project will be initiated and coursework requirements should be fulfilled. During the employment you will primarily devote yourself to your research. 

Starting date 
Earliest July 1, 2017

Salary
The salary for PhD students is based on the department’s salary scale.

Union representatives
For contact with union representatives see http://old.liu.se/jobba/lediga-jobb/fackliga-kontaktpersoner?l=en&sc=true  

Application procedure
Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must be received at latest April 30, 2017.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.



Linköping University will continue to develop as an attractive and creative place of work, characterized by equal terms and actively works for equality and diversity.

We look forward to receiving your application!

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