Vacant job

PhD Candidate in Analytical Chemistry with a Focus on Automation and Machine Learning

The Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences is an interdisciplinary environment where 10 research areas work to contribute to better pharmaceuticals and a healthier world.

With laboratories at the heart of Uppsala Biomedical Center and Sweden's only Pharmaceutical Faculty, we are a vital engine in the development of education and research within the pharmaceutical sciences. More information about the department and its activities can be found at https://uu.se/farmbio (https://uu.se/farmbio).

Welcome to apply for a PhD position at Uppsala University. Do you want to research method development of analytical instruments focusing on automation and machine learning-supported data analysis with applications in cell biology?

Research Area

The project focuses on developing and using the separation technique electrophoresis to identify how proteins from biological tissue interact with each other. We develop and apply new separation methods and instrumentation to map the internal mechanisms of biological cells, as well as how drugs and disease states affect these.

The PhD candidate will develop a new sample preparation technique within proteomics to study protein complexes. This will be done by constructing and programming new equipment with silicon capillaries, high-voltage power supplies, 3D motors, and laser diodes to be connected to mass spectrometry.

Responsibilities

The PhD candidate will be responsible for the development of new separation instrumentation and analysis methods supported by machine learning. The goal is to combine separations of protein complexes that are sequentially exposed to heat pulses from an infrared laser, followed by analysis with mass spectrometry. The method will be used to identify the variants of proteins that arise in biological tissue through post-translational modifications, as well as which of these variants can be part of protein complexes. The PhD candidate will design, conduct, and analyze experiments aimed at understanding how these protein complexes are affected by drug treatments. The candidate will also be responsible for writing scientific manuscripts, presenting research results at internal meetings and international conferences, and actively participating in collaborations with other experimental and theoretical groups.

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the eligibility requirements for doctoral education, you must have:

• A Master's degree in physics, chemistry, biology (or a related field) comprising at least 240 ECTS credits, of which at least 60 ECTS credits at the advanced level including an independent project of at least 15 ECTS credits, or in some other way acquired equivalent knowledge.
• Personal qualities required to fully perform the tasks included in the position.
• Good knowledge of English in terms of both spoken and written language.

More information about the eligibility requirements can be found here (https://www.uu.se/medarbetare/vetenskapsomrade/medicin-och-farmaci/utbildning-och-undervisning/utbildning-pa-forskarniva).

The selection of candidates is made by the supervisor in consultation with the department's doctoral education group. The doctoral education committee within the field of medicine-pharmacy will admit the PhD candidate. The selection is based on the qualifications mentioned above, grades in relevant courses, the relevance of the courses to the research area, previous experience of work and research in the area described above. An integrated assessment will be made to employ the best-suited candidate who can succeed in the doctoral education and contribute to a positive development of the research program. Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as analytical ability, accuracy, flexibility, and teamwork skills. For employment as a doctoral student, it is required that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education, where the applicant's ability to successfully complete the doctoral education will be crucial.

Desirable/Meritorious Qualifications

• Very good knowledge in programming, CAD, construction, automation, and separation techniques is meritorious, as well as previous practical experience with mass spectrometry.
• Experience in analyzing large datasets and simulations is an advantage, but not necessarily a requirement.

About the Position

The position is temporary, according to HF 5 chap § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

Salary placement will be according to local guidelines at Uppsala University.

For employment, it is required that the holder is admitted or will be admitted to doctoral education. Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance 5 chap §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines here (http://regler.uu.se/). The doctoral student shall primarily devote themselves to their own doctoral education. Other duties at the department, which concern teaching and administrative work, may be included within the framework of the doctoral position (max 20%). Doctoral education normally comprises 4 years of full-time studies, a maximum of 5 years if departmental duties are included.

Application Procedure

The application must include a letter where the applicant briefly describes themselves and their research interests. The application must also include a CV, copies of degree certificates and transcripts, thesis, and any other documents the applicant wishes to refer to.

Inquiries about the position can be made to: University Lecturer Erik Jansson, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), phone +46 18 471 4446.

For questions regarding the position, contact Administrative Manager Marina Rönngren, email [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).

Welcome with your application by January 15, 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3881.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it's like to work at Uppsala University here (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/).

The position may be subject to a security review. A prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved during the security review.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Union representatives: Saco-S - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), Seko - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), ST (OFR/S) - [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]).