PhD student position in biological Physics

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 project
Understanding the mechanisms by which a viral pathogen selects a host cell, attaches to its outer membrane and finally manages to penetrate is of great importance to the development of new drugs and vaccines.

This project is focused on the implementation of new methodologies based on artificial cell membranes and on single particle tracking to probe virus-membrane interactions. In close collaboration with researchers at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, the PhD candidate will therefore choose, develop and optimize assays based on lipid assemblies with the aim of understanding, from a biophysical point of view, a selected process related to the interaction of a viral pathogen with the cell membrane. Besides being of relevance from a fundamental biological point of view, this project is also of importance from an applied perspective: The assays developed here will facilitate the design of new tools for drug discovery and diagnostics. Taken together, this makes our research particularly attractive to the medical and pharmaceutical field.

Major responsibilities
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. The total time period for the position is limited to four years full time, or five years with 20% teaching load.

Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

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

Qualifications
The applicant should preferably have a MSc in physics, biotechnology, biochemistry or chemistry, but other backgrounds will also be considered.

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.

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

Application deadline: 2013-09-30

For questions, please contact:
Marta Bally
bally@chalmers.se
+46 31-772 1000



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


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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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 10,000 students and 2,900 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!