KTH Royal Institute of Technology

Project description

Third-cycle subject: Chemistry

The Syrén lab (www.syrenlab.com) is together with Prof. Hjalmar Brismar’s group currently recruiting a joint PhD-student in biophysics. The research area of the PhD-student is centered on studying the impact of water on protein dynamics and catalysis, utilizing interdisciplinary techniques that embrace enzyme design, molecular dynamics simulations and microscopy.

Water molecules are central for the function of all proteins. Surprisingly, our understanding of interactions between water, protein surfaces and ligands/transition states is poorly developed. In this project we hypothesize that spectator water molecules have an even more key role for protein function than previously believed, and that relocation of water networks during enzyme turnover has an impact in enzyme catalysis and motion.

To test this hypothesis, we will use synthetic biology and protein design in concert with state-of-the-art microscopy and spectroscopy. A cornerstone of the project is to affect hydration of protein interiors, and associated water dynamics, by rational enzyme design; a paradigm that remains unresolved in enzyme design today. Here, we will use innovative protein design strategies developed in the lab of Syrén to engineer water networks in two model systems: a terpene cyclase (Subproject 1) and a Na,K-ATPase, (Subproject 2). The overarching goal is to generate enzymes with enhanced catalytic versatility and altered dynamics. Measurement of protein diffusion of generated variants will be performed in vivo using microscopy techniques. We will use GUVs and oocyte based model systems to perform electrophysiological recordings of transport/enzyme activity and spectroscopic recordings based on FCS for single molecule diffusion properties. The position will be placed at the Science for Life Laboratory in Solna and at the Department of fibre and polymer technology.

What we offer

  • The possibility to study in a dynamic international research environment in close cooperation with industries and advanced universities the world over.
  • Life-long network through KTH's Alumni organization.
  • A personal study plan to support your development within your areas of interest.
  • A workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement.
  • Work and study in Stockholm, one of Europe´s fastest growing capitals, which is close to both nature and the sea.
  • Help to relocate and get settled in Sweden and at KTH.
  • The successful candidate will join the protein dynamics team of this multidisciplinary project, to work in close collaboration with research groups at the forefront of enzyme design (Syrén) and in vivo microscopy and imaging (Brismar).

Eligibility

To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

  • passed a degree at advanced level,
  • completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits at advanced level, or
  • in any other way acquired within or outside the country acquired essentially equivalent knowledge.

Selection

In order to succeed as an doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. In the selection of the applicants, the following will be assessed:

  • ability to independently pursue his or hers work,
  • ability to collaborate with others,
  • have a professional approach and
  • analyse and work with complex issues,
  • MSc in biophysics, bioorganic chemistry, biotechnology, biochemistry, synthetic biology or corresponding competences. Deep knowledge in enzyme engineering and experience of working with microscopy techniques is highly beneficial.

Target degree: Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment

Only those who are or have been admitted to third-cycle studies may be employed as a doctoral student. The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year and may thereafter be extended. Doctoral students may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Union representatives

You will find contact information for union representatives on KTH's website.

Doctoral section (Students’ union on KTH Royal Institute of Technology)

You will find contact information for doctoral section on the section's website.

Application

Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must be received at the last closing date at midnight, CET/CEST (Central European Time/entral European Summer Time).

Applications must include the following elements:

  • CV including your relevant professional experience and knowledge.
  • Application letter with a brief description of why you want to pursue research studies, about what your academic interests are and how they relate to your previous studies and future goals. (Maximum 2 pages long)
  • Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents are not issued in one of these languages.
  • Representative publications or technical reports. For longer documents, please provide a summary (abstract) and a web link to the full text.

Other information

Gender equality, diversity and zero tolerance against discrimination and harassment are important aspects of KTH's work with quality as well as core values in our organization.

For information about Processing of personal data in the recruitment process please read here.

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Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment According to the agreement
Salary Monthly salary according to KTH's doctoral student salary agreement
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Stockholm
County Stockholms län
Country Sweden
Reference number C-2018-2077
Contact
  • Assoc. Prof. Per-Olof Syrén, per-olof.syren@biotec
  • Prof. Hjalmar Brismar , hjalmar.brismar@scilifelab.se
Published 06.Dec.2018
Last application date 28.Feb.2019 11:59 PM CET

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