Project title: Electrophysiology & Modeling of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Membrane proteins are critical for signaling and transport across membranes, but these processes cannot be accomplished with static structures. To fulfill their functions, channels, transporters, and other membrane proteins undergo transient conformational changes; by their very nature these are quite hard to capture either experimentally or in models. Our lab uses combinations of experimental techniques (in particular electrophysiology, where we measure currents through ion channels) combined with state-of-the-art bioinformatics and molecular simulation to investigate how ion channels work and how this function is explained from different structures and conformational motions. We are particularly interested in ligand-gated channels that open or close in response to small molecules binding in our nerve system and brain, and how these are affected by secondary molecules such as alcohols or anesthetics through allosteric modulation. This is exceptionally important to understand ion channels – and thus our nerve system – on a molecular level, and it also has a wide range of applications in anesthetics and many diseases. The successful candidate will use either biochemistry/physics methods such as molecular biology, microscopy and electrophysiology, where a background in biochemistry or biophysics would be suitable, and/or bioinformatics and molecular simulation where a strong background in theoretical biophysics is important. The ideal candidate would have experience from both fields, and will work in a large team of both experimental and computational researchers.
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Presently around 190 people are working at the Department of which 85 are PhD students engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects. The Department is also deeply involved in teaching, with courses at all undergraduate levels, including a wide range of Master courses. A close link between the undergraduate program and the research projects has since long been a tradition and a trademark of the Department. Three centers are linked to the Department: Stockholm Center for Biomembrane Research, Science for Life Laboratory and Stockholm Bioinformatics Centre. The present project will be placed at the Science for Life Laboratory.
More than 20 research groups are active at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. The research projects span across a broad range of topics covering various aspects of structure and function of biological systems. A majority of these topics are centered on biological membranes, where many groups working within this area are part of the Center for Biomembrane Research, which is hosted by the department. Also the Stockholm Bioinformatics Centre and the Science for Life Laboratory are closely linked to the department. The combination of the highly interdisciplinary expertise and research projects at the department is unique in Sweden and also at an international level. This expertise ranges across cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics and theory. Some specific topics that are addressed include membrane protein biogenesis, membrane protein topology & assembly, mitochondria & chloroplasts, protein structure & function, protein folding & trafficking, lipid biosynthesis & function, energy conversion, DNA-RNA-PNA interactions, biological nitrogen fixation, viral membrane glycoproteins, protein structure & disease, bioinformatics, computational structural biology and development of theoretical tools. The experimental studies are performed in different organisms and are also combined with the use of a wide range of advanced biochemical and biophysical techniques. For more information about the department, see www.dbb.su.se.
Requirements
To be accepted as a PhD student, credits corresponding to four years of full-time studies at the undergraduate level are required, including credits corresponding to at least two years of fulltime studies in chemistry, life sciences or physics, depending on the program. The credits should include courses at the advanced level (second cycle) corresponding to one year and of these one semester should be a degree thesis. In order to facilitate the evaluation of merits and suitability for the PhD studies the curriculum vitae (CV) should contain information about the extent and focus of the academic studies. The quantity (as part of an academic year) and the quality mark of courses in chemistry and physics are of particular interest. The title, number of credits and the length in full-time months of undergraduate thesis and project work, should be specified.
Selection criteria
The selection among applicants will be based on the assessment of their capacity to successfully complete the PhD program. In practical terms, this means that the study merits will be the main selection criterion. The local study merits, such as passed advanced courses or project work at the department, will be given a relatively high weight. Equal opportunity aspects between men and women will be given a certain weight.
Terms of employment
Economic support is guaranteed during the agreed time in the individual study syllabus (study plan) for the PhD studies, totally for a maximum of four years. The department may request that the graduate student takes part in teaching or other departmental work in an activity additional to the graduate studies for up to 20% of full work time. The PhD positions are open for international students on equal terms. No tuition fee is charged.
Stockholm University strives to be a work place that is free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.
Information
More information about the project can be provided by the project leader. General information about the PhD training program may be requested from the director of graduate studies, Stefan Nordlund, stefan@dbb.su.se or from Lena Mäler, Head of Department (prefekt), lenam@dbb.su.se.
Union representatives
Anqi Lindblom-Ahlm (Saco-S) and Lisbeth Häggberg (Fackförbundet ST), telephone +46-(0)8-162000 (switch board), and Gunnar Stenberg (SEKO),
telephone +46-(0)70-316 43 41.
Further information on the web:
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics: www.dbb.su.se
Stockholm University: www.su.se/english
Faculty of Science: www.science.su.se/english
The handbook for postgraduate students: www.doktorandhandboken.nu/english
Application
The application should contain a personal letter (a letter of intent explaining why you are interested in the specific project, why you are interested in studying for a PhD, what you hope to accomplish during your PhD studies, and what skills you can bring to this project), a curriculum vitae, a list of two persons who may act as referees (with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), copies of degree certificates and transcripts of academic records, and a copy of your undergraduate thesis and articles, if any.
In order to apply for this position, please use the Stockholm University web-based application form (where it is possible to select language): click here.
Welcome with your application no later than September 10, 2013.
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