PhD Student Position in Chemistry with a Focus in Structural Biology

We are recruiting a doctoral student for a fully funded four-year research project. The focus will be on the replication machinery of human pathogenic respiratory viruses from the Pneumoviridae family. The project involves training in state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) data collection and processing. The student will also learn how to prepare challenging samples and characterize these with biochemical, biophysical, and functional assays. Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest academic institutions with over 37 000 students, harboring a diverse, collaborative, and open culture. Apply by September 8th 2023.

Viruses belonging to the Pneumoviridae family are the predominant cause of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in young children. A thorough understanding of viral structure is crucial to elucidate mechanisms of viral replication and inform on the rational development of therapeutics.

In your PhD studies, you will produce and characterize polymerase complexes of viruses from the family Pneumoviridae. Using a multi-modal structural biology and biophysics approach you will analyze structure and dynamics of these complexes. You will employ a panel of single-domain camelid nanobodies to stall polymerase conformations, use a high-throughput approach to determine multiple structures bound to nanobodies, and relate these back to functional states. You will use activity assays to identify sites of vulnerability targeted by the nanobodies. The results of the project will provide a significant advance in our understanding of the pneumovirus replication machinery.

Working tasks
The doctoral studies are aimed at a doctoral degree where the main task is carrying out research to unravel the molecular basis of how pathogens function to subvert their host cells. You will use a variety of recombinant protein expression systems to produce components of the viral machinery. You will use biochemical methods to purify and assemble complexes, and dissect these functionally. You will make use of national and international infrastructures that allow advanced methods of sample characterization. You will be provided opportunities to learn operation of cryogenic electron microscopes, 3D structure refinement, and model refinement. At Umeå University you will be embedded in a supportive, vibrant, and diverse research environment with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities for the analysis of macromolecular complexes. You will receive guidance for a successful PhD from multiple co-supervisors that are experts in their respective fields.

Qualifications
The be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree, or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits are at second-cycle level or have an equivalent education from abroad, or equivalent qualifications.

To fulfil the specific entry requirements to be admitted for studies at third-cycle level in chemistry, you are required to have completed first-cycle courses of at least 90 ECTS credits within the field of chemistry or another subject considered to be directly relevant to the specialization in question (e.g., biochemistry). Of those 90 ECTS credits, at least 15 ECTS credits shall have been acquired at second-cycle level within the specialization or an equivalent subject.

You are creative and interested in infection biology. You have skills in biochemistry and structural biology, and have documented knowledge in experimental biochemistry and molecular biology (e.g., cloning, protein expression, protein purification, cell culture). You are comfortable with basic computation. Experience with Linux and/or python as well as prior virology experience is considered an advantage. Good oral and written proficiency in English is required.

You are able to work independently, take initiative, and possess good problem-solving skills. You are also able and willing to work cooperatively in a team towards common goals, and enjoy assisting and working with colleagues.

You possess good communication skills and are respectful towards others. You are engaged to enjoy pursuing a 4-year degree.

Terms of employment
The appointment aims at a PhD degree and the main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, which includes participation in research projects as well as postgraduate courses. In the assignments, teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years full-time or up to five years when part-time teaching. The salary placement takes place according to the established salary level for doctoral employment.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your research interests and motivation for applying
• A Curriculum Vitae
• Verified copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

Applications must be submitted in English (preferably) or Swedish via our e-recruitment system no later than September 8th 2023.

For more information, please contact Dr. Max Renner, max.renner@umu.se.

About us
The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees and strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/. For more information about working at Umeå University, https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/.