Vacant job

Do you want to work with computer simulations of enzymes, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, advantageous working conditions? Welcome to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs, all focusing on different areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology, and structural biology. The scientific basis for what we do lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other fields such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The department has over 200 employees and around 60 doctoral students. Please read more about the department's work at https://icm.uu.se (https://icm.uu.se).

This position is available within Professor Johan Åqvist's research group in the program for computational biology and bioinformatics. The research focuses on computer simulations of enzyme catalysis, specifically regarding enzyme evolution and adaptation, in collaboration with experimental groups.

Responsibilities

The research project involves computer-based analysis of enzyme evolution and adaptation to extreme environments. The tasks include computer simulations using molecular dynamics, EVB, and QM/MM methods, free energy calculations, bioinformatic analysis, and protein structure modeling, as well as software development.

Qualifications

A PhD in computational chemistry, structural biology, biophysics, or a foreign degree assessed as equivalent to a PhD in these areas. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made. Preference is given to those who have completed their degree within the last three years. When calculating the three-year timeframe, the starting point is the last day of application. If there are special reasons, such degree may have been completed earlier. Special reasons include leave due to illness, parental leave, trust positions within trade unions, etc.

Documented experience in computational chemistry and structural biology, demonstrated scientific proficiency shown in scientific publications and presentations at national and international conferences. The project involves collaboration across different disciplines, so a good ability to collaborate with others is therefore extremely important. Great emphasis will also be placed on personal skills such as communication and teamwork skills, ability to work independently, as well as scientific maturity and creativity. A requirement for the position is that you are fluent in English, both spoken and written, as the position is in an international environment.

Desirable/Additional Merits

Experience with molecular dynamics simulations, modeling of enzyme reactions, structural bioinformatics, machine learning, and experimental biochemistry.

About the Position

The employment is fixed-term for at least two and at most three years according to the central collective agreement. The position is full-time. Start date: 2026-09-01 or as agreed. Location: Uppsala.

Information about the position can be obtained from: Professor Johan Åqvist (+46 18 471 4109, [email protected]).

Please submit your application by July 31, 2026, ref. UFV-PA 2026/1691.

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 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and engagement, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

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

The position may be subject to a security clearance. If a security clearance is required, a condition for employment is that the applicant is approved.

We decline offers of recruitment and advertising assistance.

Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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