Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för kemi - Ångström

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

Subject description/research project: Within the Program Molecular Biomimetics we are looking for a highly motivated and educated candidate eager to contribute to our research on solving the mechanism of photosynthetic water oxidation, a process of great fundamental importance that is also highly relevant for the development of catalysts and devices for the direct conversion of solar energy into sustainable fuels via artificial photosynthesis.

The successful candidate will work within an excellent and friendly team led by Prof. Johannes Messinger, and have access to state-of-the-art experimental and computational research facilities that are supported by competent scientific staff, and you will also benefit from attractive working conditions (4-year salary, no tuition fees, comprehensive health care, and ergonomic working environment).

Work duties: You will work on solving the mechanism of water oxidation in photosynthesis by employing several biophysical techniques, which include membrane-inlet mass spectrometry, flash-induced oxygen evolution, fluorescence, thermoluminescence, EPR spectroscopy and serial femtosecond crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers. With these techniques you will study the structure of photosystem II, the binding affinities of substrate water to the water oxidizing complex (OEC) in various mutants, the photo assembly of the OEC and the thermodynamic properties of the water-splitting reaction. You will also grow and isolate your samples and perform theoretical analyses. You are expected to participate in international collaborations, which may involve travel to beam times and research visits in the partner’s labs.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

  • has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
  • has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
  • has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements: We are looking for a PhD candidate with enthusiasm for experimental work, who has also an interest in theoretical analysis and calculations. A solid background in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or in another relevant field is expected.

  • degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry, Physics, Biology or another relevant field.
  • very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Additional requirements: Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, and a one-page summary of the Master thesis. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

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 (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting date: 2020-05-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years. 

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Prof. Johannes Messinger, phone: +46 70 167 9843, email: johannes.messinger@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 6 April 2020, UFV-PA 2020/689.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100 %
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2020/689
Union representative
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 27.Feb.2020
Last application date 06.Apr.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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