PhD position in Chemistry specializing in Molecular Biomimetics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory conducts research and education in chemistry. The Department has over 300 active persons, of which 200 are employees and the rest consists of guest researchers and students doing research tasks at Masters level. Annual turnover is just under 200 million SEK.

Research environment: The student will be part of the bioinorganic chemistry group within the molecular biomimetics program. The program which is highly recognized internationally is part of the Department of chemistry – the Ångström Laboratory, within the chemistry section at Uppsala University.

The group is situated in a modern building at the Ångström Laboratory. The research at the department spans from organic, inorganic and physical chemistry to biochemistry and biophysics. Strong cross-disciplinary collaborations are characteristic for the department. For more information press here.

Research area: Biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics and bioinorganic chemistry.

Duties: Hydrogenase enzymes are the best molecular catalysts known to date with regards to H2 gas production and combustion. Consequently they are intensively studied due to their biotechnological potential. The project follows one of the major project lines in the group, which focuses on the biochemical characterization of these enzymes under in vivo conditions.

The applicant will work in an interdisciplinary project that involves synthetic chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology, the primary role of the PhD student in the project will deal with heterologous expression of hydrogenases in selected host organisms in combination with biochemical and biophysical characterization of the enzymes, with a focus on determining reaction mechanisms and the design of artificial hydrogenases with novel properties. The work will be performed by the PhD student in collaboration with theoreticians, spectroscopists and synthetic chemists at Uppsala University and abroad.

Relevant publications:
“In vivo activation of an [FeFe] hydrogenase using synthetic cofactors” Khanna, N.; Esmieu, C.; Mészaros, L. S.; Lindblad, P.; Berggren, G. Energy and Environmental Science, in press (DOI: 10.1039/C7EE00135E)

 “Biomimetic assembly and activation of [FeFe]-hydrogenases.“ Berggren, G.; Adamska, A.; Lambertz, C.; Simmons, T. R.; Esselborn, J.; Atta, M.; Gambarelli, S.; Mouesca, J. M.; Reijerse, E.; Lubitz, W.; Happe, T.; Artero, V.; Fontecave, M Nature 2013, 499, 66-69.

 “Mimicking hydrogenases: From biomimetics to artificial enzymes.” Simmons, T. R.; Berggren, G.; Bacchi, M.; Fontecave, M.; Artero, V. Coord. Chem. Rev. 2014, 270–271, 127-150.

Requirements: The successful candidate should have a Master of Science (MSc) or equivalent (e.g. Swedish “magister” or “civilingenjör”) degree in biochemistry, molecular biology or similar. Previous experience in biochemistry and/or (bio)inorganic chemistry is desirable. Previous experience in prepering and handling oxygen sensitive proteins is meriting. The ability of the PhD student to be innovative and not afraid to go outside traditional discipline boundaries is appreciated.

Employment conditions: The research education corresponds to four years of full-time studies, and it can be complemented with up to 20% teaching, whereby the total employment time becomes five years. The salary is set in accordance with local guidelines of the Section of Chemistry, Uppsala University. For further information on rules and guidelines for PhD students see here.

Application procedure: The application should include CV, a letter which clearly describes research interests and visions of the applicant (max 2 pages), copies of certificates and grades, a copy of the Master thesis or a summary in case the thesis work is not completed, a list of at least two references with contact details, and if available, research papers of the applicant.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve a higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

Pay: According to local agreement for PhD students  

Starting: A suitable starting date is 2017-12-01 or as soon as possible thereafter

Type of employment: Temporary position ending 2021-11-30

Working hours: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact
Dr. Gustav Berggren, Phone: + 46 (0)18 471 6595, e-mail gustav.berggren@kemi.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than the 27th of September, 2017, UFV-PA 2017/3263.