PhD Student Position in Biological Chemistry

PhD Student Position in Biological Chemistry: Biomolecular Simulations of Protein Complexes Project Description The project focuses on developing and applying models to investigate the interplay of protein folding, function, and complex formation in molecular dynamics simulations.The emphasis is on proteins involved in cellular signal transduction pathways to enhance understanding of how cells sense extracellular stimuli and respond to them.Methodological developments will aim at combining detailed molecular all-atom models with more coarse-grained descriptions to gain access to simulation times on biologically relevant timescales.The PhD student position is linked to Dr.Alexander Schug?s group at the Department of Chemistry of Umeå University.The Department of Chemistry (www.chemistry.umu.se) conducts research in the areas of biological chemistry, environmental biogeochemistry, and technical chemistry.The department has a strong focus on interdisciplinary work and has good access to the High-Performance Computing Centre North (www.hpc2n.umu.se).Requirements The successful candidate should have a background in theoretical chemistry/physics or related quantitative sciences and a strong interest in biological questions.Good English writing and speaking skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaborating with others are highly valued.As the project involves running molecular dynamics simulations on high-performance supercomputers general computer skills, in particular a good working knowledge of Unix, shell scripting, and programming are essential.The duration of a PhD education is 4 years (48 months).General requirements include: (i) 240 ECTS credit points (Swe.högskolepoäng) of higher education studies of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master level), (ii) equivalent educational merits gained in Sweden or abroad, or (iii) 120 Swedish (old) credit points (Swe.poäng) (corresponding to 180 ECTS credit points) of higher education studies if they were taken before July 1, 2007.In addition to these general requirements, 120 ECTS credit points need to be in chemistry or a comparable subject.The requirements mentioned need to be met at the time of acceptance to doctoral studies, not at the time when your application is submitted.The expected starting date is in or around September 2010.For further information, please contact Dr.Application procedure The application should include: (i) a cover letter summarizing your qualifications and motives for applying, (ii) a curriculum vitae, (iii) copies of a bachelor?s or master?s thesis (if available), and (iv) the names and contacts of 2-3 references.Documents sent electronically should be using either MS Word or the PDF format.We look forward to receiving your application!