PhD Position in Biochemistry - Structure and Dynamics of Photoreceptor Proteins through Time-Resolved Serial Crystallography

We are looking for a PhD candidate who wants to study structural changes in photoreceptor proteins using time-resolved diffraction methods. A specific goal is to structurally characterize the effects of charge transfer, for example in cryptochromes and photolyase proteins, using time-resolved serial femtosecond crystallography at free electron laser sources.

The project requires the production and crystallization of proteins, conducting time-resolved crystallographic experiments at free electron laser sources, and advanced data analysis of time-resolved crystallographic data regarding structure and dynamics.

You are expected to be involved in all stages of this collaborative project, but depending on your background and interests, the focus of your work will be adjusted. You will be required to work at the forefront of the method and further develop it, both in terms of conducting the experiment and on the data analysis side.

Tasks may include:

• Independent planning and execution of experimental work
• Identification and publication of results
• Scientific collaboration within and outside the group
• Communication of results
• Method development

You will have extensive creative freedom to develop the project, significant resources to produce cutting-edge results, and you will benefit from being part of our highly collaborative team, striving for high-profile research. You are expected to grow into an independent researcher.

The position is located in the Westenhoff research group. The group (currently with more than 10 members, located at the Department of Biochemistry) aims to clarify the structural dynamics and chemical reactions of proteins. The research group spans areas from biochemistry and biophysics to machine learning, is well-funded, and continuously publishes in highly ranked scientific journals. We promote a creative work environment where you are given the freedom to implement, develop, and publish high-quality research. Find more information on Westenhoff's page on Google Scholar.

Job Responsibilities

The main task for a PhD candidate is to engage in their doctoral education, which includes participation in research projects as well as doctoral education courses. The responsibilities may also include teaching and other departmental work, but no more than 20% of the working time.

Qualification Requirements

Eligibility for doctoral education requires that the applicant has completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits (hp), of which at least 60 hp at advanced level, or has acquired equivalent competencies in some other way. More information about the eligibility requirements can be found here.

To be admitted to doctoral education in biochemistry, 120 hp in biochemistry or courses in relevant areas for biochemistry are required. These courses must include at least 90 hp in chemistry, of which 45 hp in biochemistry and at least 15 hp must consist of a thesis in biochemistry. More information about the subject-specific requirements can be found here.

Very good knowledge of English in both spoken and written form.

Great importance will be placed on personal qualities such as good collaboration skills, motivation, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the abilities required to benefit from and develop within the doctoral education.

Meritorious

We are looking for a highly driven person, who can demonstrate clear signs of independently conducting research work and can work effectively in teams. Primarily, we are looking for a biochemist, structural biologist, biophysicist, or other backgrounds if your curriculum includes a strong chemistry component.

PhD candidates are typically engaged in some teaching at undergraduate and advanced levels. Previous experience in teaching/mentorship, even from environments outside of school/university, as well as other outreach activities may therefore be meritorious.

Regulations for PhD candidates can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§ 1-7 and in the university's rules and guidelines.

About the Employment

The employment is temporary, according to HF Chapter 5 § 7. The extent is full-time. Start date by agreement. Place of employment: Uppsala

Inquiries about the position can be made to: Professor, Sebastian Westenhoff, [email protected], +46 72 469 72 67.

Welcome with your application by March 19, 2026. UFV-PA 2026/475.

Please note that this is a shortened version of the advertisement. To see the full advertisement, please click on “Apply here” or visit Uppsala University's website: https://uu.se/jobb/ (https://uu.se/jobb/)

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international standing. 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 https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In security clearance, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We kindly decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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