1-2 PhD positions in Physics with specialization in Molecular Biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The position is in the department of Cell and Molecular Biology is one of the most international, broad and distinguished molecular bioscience departments in Europe. The department comprises seven research programs with about 130 employees. Please read more at  (http://www.icm.uu.se). This PhD position will be in Bio physics program.

Project summary
Significant changes are taking place in photon science through the development of powerful X-ray lasers, capable of producing extremely intense and ultra-short X-ray pulses. These are the most brilliant sources of X-rays to date, exceeding the peak brilliance of conventional synchrotrons by a factor of 10 billion. Our aim in biology is to develop the science, technology and software required to enable high-resolution imaging of single biological objects such as proteins or viruses. Theory predicts that with an ultra-short and extremely bright coherent X-ray pulse, a single diffraction pattern may be recorded from a large macromolecule before the sample explodes and turns into a plasma, something we have successfully demonstrated for viruses and living cells.

Proteins are dynamic structures that fluctuate between semi-stable conformational states and in many cases it is these transitions that give the protein its function. Given the ultra-short pulse length of free-electron lasers, collected data could also be separated into conformational states of the molecule and thus be used to study protein dynamics at a very high time resolution. This does however pose great challenges in terms of data analysis to be able to sort through hundreds of thousands of diffraction patterns and from there determine a three-dimensional structure. This challenge will be the focus of this PhD project. This is a truly interdisciplinary research area that brings together physics, biology and data science.

Duties
The Ph.D. student shall primarily focus on postgraduate studies, but other duties related to teaching and administrative work may be involved, up to a maximum of 20 % of the time. Information about doctoral education, eligibility requirements and admission rules can be found at the faculty website, http://www.teknat.uu.se/utbildning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva/.

Requirements
You have a passion for science and high ambitions to perform qualitative research. You have a master degree in physics , molecular biotechnology or within another subject which the employer considers to be equivalent. You have programmings skills, problem solving ability and like to delve into new subjects. The ability to work independently while also able to interact with other scientists is also important. An excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is a requirement.

Merits
It is meriting if you have studied optics or have experience in python programming and/or programming for graphics cards (GPUs).

The application
Your application should include a letter where you briefly describe yourself and your research interests. The application should also include a CV, copies of exam-certificates and grades, a copy of your Master’s thesis and any other documents that you wish to include.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students.
 
Starting date: As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Tomas Ekeberg, tel: +46 18 471 4584, tomas.ekeberg@icm.uu.se

Please submit your application by May 31th 2019, UFV-PA 2019/1141.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.