Doctoral student in physical chemistry

Work description 

Protein-lipid co-assembly is an important phenomenon of high relevance for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. This co-assembly process is, however, not well understood, and the aim of this project is to understand the underlying molecular mechanisms and their structural and functional consequences.

The project includes experimental studies of protein aggregation in the presence of model lipid membranes, with the aim to explore the possibility of uptake of lipid components from membranes into growing protein-lipid co-aggregates. The studies will mainly focus on the amyloid protein a-synuclein, that has been associated with Parkinson's disease, the driving forces for co-aggregation will be investigated by systematic variations lipid composition and solution conditions. The experimental studies will include the use of several state-of-the art techniques, including cryo-electron and fluorescence confocal microscopy, mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry, optical spectroscopy and scattering methods. You will be part of a collaborative network of students and researchers at the Divisions of Physical Chemistry (http://www.fkem1.lu.se) as well as Biochemistry and Structural Biology (http://www.cmps.lu.se/biostruct/) at Lund University.

Qualifications 

You need to hold a Master degree in natural science or engineering, or equivalent, with focus on physical chemistry, biophysical chemistry or equivalent, including advanced level courses in soft matter, surface- and colloid chemistry or biophysical chemistry. Documented experience from experimental studies of peptide aggregation and lipid model systems is a strong advantage. Documented experience with one or several of the experimental methods mentioned above is an advantage. Documented excellent level of English (understanding, speaking, writing) is essential. Excellent communication and presentation skills are essential. The candidate should have the ability to work in a team and collaborate with people from complementary disciplines.

Documents to include with the application: A cover letter (1/2-1 page) expressing a motivation for why you wish to perform a PhD education in physical chemistry at Lund University, and how the present research project matches your own research interests and scientific background.

Eligibility
Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who- have completed a second-cycle degree- have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or- have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance.

Type of employment
Limit of tenure, four years according to HF 5 kap 7§.