PhD student position in DNA biophysics

We offer a PhD position in single molecule biophysics analysis of DNA repair. The position is part of a large European network that will host annual meetings as well as courses on relevant topics. The student will join a group at Chalmers with expertise in single DNA molecule analysis and fluorescence microscopy at a division with broad expertise in biochemistry, biophysics and cell biology.

Information about the project 
This position is part of the Doctoral Training Network RepState, a highly collaborative consortium consisting of 14 European participants coming from academia, industry and the creative sector. You will be immersed in an international, multidisciplinary training environment in fundamental life sciences and obtain insight into the role of basic chemical and physical principles underlying molecular steps in complex yet integrated molecular processes. As the research relies on cutting-edge technologies, development of new approaches will be an integral part of your project. Training includes one or more rotations within European partner laboratories. Through collaboration with industry, you will learn how technology development drives innovation in research. In addition, you will learn how to disseminate and communicate your project in close collaboration with the creative sector.

The research in this specific PhD project is related to studying DNA-mismatch repair using single molecule methods, in particular nanofluidics and fluorescence microscopy. We will analyse how proteins that repair DNA mismatches bind to DNA, find their target, diffuse along DNA and interact with other proteins to complete the repair process. The student will enjoy at least one longer research visit in an academic or industrial partner.

In the Westerlund “BioNanoFluidics” group we use nanofluidic devices to study biomolecules in general and DNA in particular. Our projects range from fundamental biophysics of DNA-protein interactions to analysis of clinical DNA, for example diagnostics of antibiotic resistance.

The Chemical biology division is the home of seven research groups. We combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (spectroscopy, live cell imaging and nanotechnology to address cutting-edge questions in biology to meet medical challenges related to human health. Our joint expertise is strategic and spans from molecular biophysics of single molecules to cell and organism biology.

Major responsibilities
You will work in your own research project, but be part of a larger research team in the Westerlund group that develop and use single DNA molecule techniques. You will also take part in mandatory and elective program in the training network and in the local research school (total 60ECTS required).
Supervision of master and bachelor theses, as well as teaching on the bachelor and master level can also be part of the training.

Qualifications
There are strict eligibility requirements for the PhD positions in MSCA-DN:
- Applicants should not have resided or performed their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 year period immediately prior to the start date of this position.
- Applicants for the PhD positions should be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and not yet have been awarded a doctorate. This 4 year period is measured from the date of obtaining your MSc degree (or equivalent).

To qualify for this position you must have a registered master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in biochemistry, biophysics or similar. 

Experience in DNA analysis, data analysis using Matlab or R, molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers and nanofluidics is meritious.

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

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 procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230149 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: April 13, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Fredrik Westerlund, ChemBio
Email: fredrik.westerlund@chalmers.se
Phone:+46 31 772 3049

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