PhD student position in Biophysical Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering represents a broad field of fundamental and applied research and education within chemistry and chemical engineering. The research activities reach from fundamental chemistry, chemistry at the interface of biology and medicine, materials science, renewable energy, to chemical engineering processing, material recycling, nuclear chemistry, as well as theory and modelling.

Information about the research and the division
The rapid development of RNA and other nucleic acid-based drug modalities is about to entirely change the drug discovery arena. But with these promising high molecular weight drug candidates we are also facing new challenges; discovery and development of functional delivery solutions for nucleic acid-based drugs is of importance for clinical success. To meet these challenges the FoRmulaEx consortium - an industrial research centre (IRC) for functional nucleic acid delivery - which the Wilhelmsson group is part of, has been initiated. The Wilhelmsson group among other things focusses on the development of fluorescence-based methodologies to help understanding nucleic acid-based delivery and collaborates closely to AstraZeneca. This is a unique opportunity to work in a scientific area of great importance in a novel setting with industry and excellent academic groups from various disciplines working hand in hand.

-The details of FoRmulaEx and the research activities may be found here.

The PhD student will be a member of the Wilhelmsson research group, which is part of the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The division is pursuing research in biophysical chemistry, optical spectroscopy, (in)organic/medicinal chemistry, nanotechnology, analytical chemistry and energy/electron transfer reactions. Projects at the division are chosen to fulfil the requirements of the highest scientific standard, and the know-how they create on a molecular level is generally of importance for solving many advanced problems as well as for future practical applications. The span of potential applications is extremely wide: from life sciences to materials sciences.

The specific goals of the Wilhelmsson group are to develop novel label/probe molecules for DNA/RNA systems, new improved fluorescence techniques for biochemical and biological investigations and use these labels/probes and techniques to study the delivery process of next generation drugs as well as DNA/RNA-protein interactions both structurally and dynamically.

Major responsibilities
The Wilhelmsson group now invites applications for a PhD student position in the field of biophysical chemistry with an emphasis on UV/Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, its interface with fluorescence microscopy and the application thereof in nucleic acid delivery investigations. The main research objectives for the PhD student will be to characterize novel biomimetic fluorophores for nucleic acids as well as utilize them in studying mechanisms of drug delivery of RNA-based therapeutics. The daily work will be performed at Chalmers University of Technology and there will be close interactions with team members at AstraZeneca R&D Gothenburg which is 10 minutes away from the Chalmers' campus area.

You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing. 

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in biophysical chemistry, biochemistry or an equivalent education and be well-versed in applications of UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence and nucleic acids. You are expected to be able to work independently but also in collaboration with the members of the group and as a part of the group's collaborative network. You must have the ability to plan and organize your own work and take your own initiatives and responsibility. You are analytical and creative and able to deliver results in time. You are able to report to a multidisciplinary team and possess good communication skills and an interest for multidisciplinary research. Moreover, the position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Meritorious:
Previous experience in fluorescence microscopy; experience in nucleic acids specifically in RNA; knowledge in nucleic acid-based drug delivery; knowledge in handling in vitro enzymatic reactions important in nucleic acids research; knowledge in working with living cells.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4 years + extra time for teaching duties.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.


Application deadline: 15 March 2022. 

Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=10225&rmlang=SE 


*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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 11,000 students and 3,000 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!