PhD student position: Single DNA Molecule Biophysics

Information about the research project
Studies of single DNA molecules have revolutionized the understanding of how proteins interact with DNA. A plethora of techniques, including magnetic and optical tweezers have been used, but they all have one common limitation. They all require the attachment of the DNA to a bead or a surface at at least one of the ends. This means that it is difficult to study processes occurring on the DNA ends and in particular processes where two DNA ends meet. There are however biological processes that are based on such interactions that until now have been impossible to study, for example regarding DNA-repair and in particular DNA double strand breaks.

One way to study DNA ends is to suspend long single DNA molecule in nanofluidic channels. In such channels, single DNA molecules can be stretched and analysed without any tethering. The focus of this PhD project is on studying DNA protein interactions involved in repair of DNA double strand breaks in tailor-made nanofluidic devices.

Major responsibilities
The PhD student will work with studies of DNA-protein interactions in nanofluidic channels using fluorescence microscopy. We will both work on proteins produced in the lab as well as proteins obtained from collaborators.

Key parts of the work will be:
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Design of nanofluidic devices
• Amplification and purification of tailored DNA in bacteria
• Production of proteins in E.coli
• Image analysis

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, both in Swedish and in English.
In addition, duties at the department, mainly teaching in the undergraduate or masters courses, distributed over the whole time of the position, can be included.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment (salary according to Chalmers policy). The position is limited to maximum 4 years full-time research studies. In addition, duties at the department, mainly teaching in the undergraduate or masters courses, distributed over the whole time of the position, can be included.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology or similar. Hands on experience with fluorescence microscopy would be beneficial but not mandatory. Hands on experience with producing proteins in E. coli would be beneficial but not mandatory. Knowledge of/experience with image analysis in Matlab would be beneficial but not mandatory.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have good collaboration skills and be able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.
If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

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

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210014 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

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 research fields and main research results
• 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, eg. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 28 February 2021

For questions, please contact:
For further information concerning this posting contact Professor Fredrik Westerlund, fredrikw@chalmers.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. ***