PhD student position in New functions of amyloid fibers

The Wittung-Stafshede research group is looking for a PhD student to explore newly-discovered catalytic activity of amyloid fibers. Major focus will be on alpha-synuclein involved in Parkinson's disease. The project will involve purified proteins, cell cultures, metabolomics, spectroscopy, microscopy, various biochemical assays and more. The successful candidate will work on a frontline research topic in a vibrant research environment with excellent infrastructure.

Information about the division
In the division of Chemical Biology (ChemBio), we combine and develop protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, nucleic acid technology, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (spectroscopy, live cell imaging and nanotechnology) to address cutting-edge questions in biology and meet medical challenges. Our joint expertise is strategic and spans from molecular biophysics of single molecules to cell and organism biology.

Project description
In Wittung-Stafshede’s research group, a combination of biochemical and biophysical methods are employed to study functional properties of individual proteins and of cellular pathways on a molecular, mechanistic level. The overall goal is to increase basic knowledge important for human health and to counteract diseases. Current research directions include the role of copper-binding proteins in cancer and how protein misfolding and aggregation result in amyloids. Recent results have shown that amyloids formed by the protein alpha-synuclein, which is linked to Parkinson's disease, can act as enzymes and catalyze chemical reactions.

This PhD project will explore this novel amyloid activity in vitro, in cells, and through metabolomic approaches. The focus will be on alpha-synuclein and Parkinson, but other amyloidogenic proteins may be included. In addition, the role of metal ions as modulators of catalytic activity, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), and final amyloid structure will be elucidated. The project will involve a range of biochemistry and biophysics (spectroscopy, microscopy) methods using purified proteins along with cell culture studies as appropriate. Some parts of the project may involve collaborators.
The project may change focus over time, depending on results and interests. Overall, the goal is to reveal new knowledge about amyloids that, in the long-term, is helpful to combat neurodegenerative disorders.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are 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.

Read more about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Qualifications
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with a master's degree or equivalent proficiency in biophysics, biochemistry or similar. Excellent knowledge of English is a prerequisite, as the position is located in an international environment. We value personal characteristics such as good cooperative ability, a self-motivated personality, and a keen interest in basic research and in addressing fundamental biological questions with quantitative approaches.
Research experience with intrinsically disordered proteins, microscopy and spectroscopy is required.

It is meritorious to have completed advanced courses on protein biochemistry, spectroscopic methods, microscopy, and bioinorganic chemistry.

Also, hand-on experience with protein over-expression, LLPS and amyloid formation, AFM and plate reader methods, and metal ion handling is favorable.

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.

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 reference number 20240260 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, reference 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.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.


Application deadline: 2024-05-31



For questions, please contact:
Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, 
pernilla.wittung@chalmers.se