PhD Position: Biochemistry – Structure and Dynamics of Photoreceptor Proteins Using Time-Resolved Serial Crystallography
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Structural Biology, Biophysics, and Protein Dynamics
Uppsala University
Uppsala, Sweden
Application Deadline: 19 March 2026
Overview
Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry – BMC, invites applications for a fully funded PhD position in biochemistry and structural biology. The project focuses on studying structural changes in photoreceptor proteins using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography (TR-SFX) at Free Electron Laser sources.
The research aims to reveal the femto- to microsecond structural dynamics of proteins involved in charge transfer, such as cryptochrome and photolyase, providing insights into protein function at atomic resolution.
Research Focus
The PhD project combines biochemistry, structural biology, and biophysics to study protein dynamics using cutting-edge experimental techniques:
- Protein Production and Crystallization: Expression and crystallization of photoreceptor proteins
- Time-Resolved Serial Crystallography: Performing experiments at Free Electron Laser sources to capture structural dynamics during protein function
- Data Analysis: Advanced computational analysis of time-resolved crystallographic data to determine structure-function relationships
- Method Development: Improving experimental protocols and data processing techniques
The project is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, involving experimental design, method development, and scientific publication.
Academic Field and Research Domain
Primary Field
- Biochemistry and Structural Biology
Core Disciplines
- Protein Structure and Dynamics
- Biophysics and Spectroscopy
- Time-Resolved Crystallography
- Photoreceptor Function
Applied Research Areas
- Enzymology and Photoreceptor Proteins
- Charge Transfer Mechanisms in Proteins
- Structural Biochemistry of Light-Sensitive Proteins
- Advanced Protein Crystallography Techniques
This position integrates experimental structural biology with computational analysis, focusing on understanding protein mechanisms at ultrafast timescales.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should have:
- MSc in Biochemistry, Structural Biology, Biophysics, or Chemistry with a strong biochemistry component
- Knowledge or interest in protein crystallization, structural dynamics, or spectroscopy
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international, interdisciplinary team
- Good proficiency in English (written and spoken)
- Strong motivation for research in protein structure, dynamics, and cutting-edge experimental methods
Experience in teaching or mentoring is considered an advantage.
Employment Conditions
- Full-time temporary position (100% employment)
- Start date flexible, according to agreement
- Salary according to Swedish doctoral student pay scale
- Engagement in research projects, doctoral courses, and up to 20% teaching duties
Research Environment
- Located at the Biomedical Centre (BMC), Uppsala University
- Access to SciLifeLab infrastructure and advanced experimental facilities
- Collaborative and international research team in the Westenhoff group
- Group expertise spans biochemistry, biophysics, structural biology, and machine learning
This PhD position is ideal for candidates interested in high-resolution structural biology, protein dynamics, and time-resolved experimental techniques, aiming for an international research career in biochemistry and structural biology.
Apply now at: https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:904551/
