About the position
The Department of Chemistry is opening a PhD position in Chemistry with a specialization in Biophysical Chemistry. The thesis project will focus on exploring how proteins move, react, and function. The position is for four years of doctoral studies, including participation in research and postgraduate courses. The last day to apply is 2026-10-15 on ERSFs website . Starting date is 2026-12-01 or by agreement. Project description and tasks Thesis subject: Probing conformational membrane protein dynamics by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TR-XSS) Do you want to explore how proteins move, react, and function? You will join a research team at Umeå University, Sweden, and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), France, and spend 3 years in France followed by 1 year in Sweden. During this time you will get training in molecular biology techniques to produce medically important membrane proteins and you will explore new sample delivery techniques to enable capturing structural dynamics using time-resolved X-ray solution scattering. You will be stationed at the ID09 synchrotron beamline, which is a cutting edge experimental station for following molecular processes as they happen. In this PhD project, you will investigate two biologically and medically important membrane proteins: the zinc-transporting ATPase SsZntA and the dopamine D2 receptor. Using laser-triggered caged compounds, you will initiate ATP- and ligand-driven reactions and follow the resulting structural changes from milliseconds to seconds. This will reveal how these proteins work at the molecular level and provide insight into mechanisms that are central to membrane protein function. A key part of the project will also be to develop and apply improved TR-XSS workflows that extend the accessible time range and reduce sample consumption. These developments will help make time-resolved structural studies possible for challenging membrane proteins that are slow, complex, or difficult to produce in large quantities. The project offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge methods, advanced synchrotron experiments, and highly relevant biological systems. By combining ambitious scientific questions with advanced experimental and analytical approaches, you will gain a strong interdisciplinary skill set and be placed in an excellent position for future opportunities in academia, research infrastructure, and the life-science sector. Qualifications To 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. 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. Additional required qualifications are: Good knowledge of the English language, both written and spoken, is required as well as a great interest within the field of biophysics, biochemistry and/or structural biology. Candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the application deadline of 15 October 2026 (Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule). Merits are: experience from protein production and purification, and/or Python code development, and experience from biophysical characterization of biological systems. Consideration will also be given to collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing doctoral studies. About the employment The position is intended to result in a doctoral degree. The main task of the PhD student is to pursue their doctoral studies, including participation in research and doctoral courses. The duties can include teaching and other departmental work (up to 20%). The employment is limited to the equivalent of four years of full-time (48 months) or up to five years for teaching part-time. During the first three years, the doctoral student will be employed by and based at ESRF, France. For more information about the terms and conditions of employment during this period, please see What we offer . During the fourth year, the doctoral student will be employed by and based at Umeå University, Sweden. For more information about the terms and conditions of employment during this period, please see Work with us. Salary is set in accordance with the established salary levels for PhD positions. The employment starts 2026-12-01 or according to agreement. Application You apply ESRF website LINK. The deadline for applications is 2026-10-15. If you apply with the link below to Umeå university you will be asked to also submit an application to ESRF. The application, written in English or Swedish, should include: a personal letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, and how your qualifications and research interests are relevant to the doctoral project described above (no more than 2 pages), a curriculum vitae, copies of degree certificates, diplomas or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses, grades obtained, and other certificates of relevance to the described project, copies of student theses on advance level or other publications (no more than 5) contact information for at least two reference persons. Further information Further information is provided by Professor, Magnus Andersson, email: magnus.p.andersson@umu.se ; Beamline manager, Matteo Levantino, email: matteo.levantino@esrf.fr . Welcome with your application! 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 four major research areas: Biological Chemistry, IBEAM, Organic chemistry 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/.
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