PhD student for studies on protein dynamics at Linnaeus University

PhD student for studies on protein dynamics at Linnaeus University

Overview
Linnaeus University is the result of a merger between Kalmar University and Växjö University. Together we will be creating a new, exciting university with 31 000 students and 2 000 employees. Linnaeus University will be a modern, international university in the Småland region of Sweden, where people can grow to reach their potential. For more information see: Lnu.se.

The School of Natural Sciences is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. The research activities within this multidisciplinary school include the areas of Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biomedical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, Marine Ecology and Microbiology. The research group of Computational Chemistry and Biochemistry now seeks a PhD student for studies on protein dynamics.

The research project will deal with amyloid protein aggregation. This process is common to numerous devastating diseases, including Alzheimer`s and Parkinson`s diseases and type II diabetes mellitus. The student will be involved in computational studies of amyloid aggregation. The selected PhD student will have unique opportunities to gain deep knowledge and skills in applying computational chemistry methods to biological macromolecules. Methods to be used include molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations. For relevant publications, see: J. Mol. Biol., 387 407–415 (2009) and J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 1 471–474 (2010). Further details on the group are given in the group`s web-page: http://lnu.se/research-groups/computational-chemistry-and-biochemistry-group?l=en

Applicants should have a Masters Degree (240hp/240ECTS) in a subject area of relevance for the present project. Documented training and experience of Computational Chemistry, Computational Biology, Physical Chemistry or a related area is a prerequisite. Written and oral communication skills in English are also essential. The student will need to have, or obtain in little time, working knowledge of the linux operating system. Experience with MD simulations, quantum chemistry packages, system administration, programming and/or high performance computer systems will be an advantage. Basic requirements for post-graduate studies are laid out in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen), Chapter 7.

The PhD studies are limited to 4 years (100%) but may be extended by up to 5 years through teaching at the undergraduate level. Successful completion of the post-graduate studies will lead to a PhD in Biomedical Sciences. The starting point for the PhD education is negotiable.

For further information please contact Dr. Ran Friedman at +46-480-446290 (ran.friedman@lnu.se), Head of School Ian Nicholls, +46-480-446258 (ian.nicholls@lnu.se) or Personnel Officer Leif Eriksson at +46-480-446028 (leif.eriksson@lnu.se).

Uuni0n representatives may be contacted via the university switchboard at +46-772- 28 80 00.

Application should be addressed to: Registrator, Linnaeus University, S-351 95 Växjö, Sweden or by e-mail to registrator@lnu.se, and should arrive no later than November 22, 2010. Mark your application with reference number 2010/2635. The application (in English) should contain a CV, documentation of exams and grades, a copy of an undergraduate thesis, a list of at least 2 referees (with telephone, fax, and/or e-mail), at least two letters of recommendation, a description of motivation and experience relevant to the research project and any other documentation (including industrial experience) that the applicant would like to present.