PhD student in Chemistry – specializing in Molecular Biomimetics

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's five programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website
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The student will be part of the bioinorganic chemistry group within the molecular biomimetics program. The program is highly recognized internationally with strong visibility and the group is situated in a modern building at the Ångström Laboratory. Strong cross-disciplinary collaborations are characteristic for the program

Project description

The project involves biochemistry and biophysics, with a focus on so-called hydrogenase enzymes. Hydrogenases are redox-active metalloenzymes that catalyze the interconversion of protons and molecular hydrogen, enabling molecular hydrogen metabolism central to microbial energy systems. Recent findings have challenged the prevailing view of [FeFe] hydrogenases as fully reversible catalysts, instead revealing enzymes with strong intrinsic catalytic bias toward either hydrogen uptake or production. This project explores the hypothesis that such enzymes act as “metabolic rectifiers,” supporting unidirectional electron flow with minimal energy loss—an adaptation potentially critical for life near thermodynamic limits.

Duties

The doctoral student will participate in a research project with two main objectives: to establish the prevalence of unidirectional catalysis among hydrogenases by characterising enzymes from different ecological and phylogenetic contexts, and to identify the molecular determinants of catalytic directionality through the rational design and analysis of enzyme variants. Complementary studies will aim to develop kinetic models linking thermodynamic reversibility to catalytic directionality.
The doctoral student's role in the project will primarily involve the isolation and characterisation of novel [FeFe] hydrogenases, as well as the detailed characterisation of selected enzymes using a combination of electrochemistry and spectroscopy (EPR and FTIR spectroscopy) to elucidate their reaction mechanisms. Writing scientific publications will also be an important part of the position. The work will be carried out in collaboration with other specialists at Uppsala University and at other universities in Sweden and abroad.
The main duties of the doctoral student are to devote themselves to their doctoral studies, which include participation in the research project described above and completion of third-cycle courses. Duties may also include teaching and other departmental responsibilities, corresponding to a maximum of 20% of the working time.

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must been awarded a second-cycle degree in biochemistry, biophysics, biotechnology, or equivalent. (
Please note the degree requriement does not need to be fulfilled at the time of application. However, a second-cycle degree must have been awarded no later than the time of the admission decision
), or have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
The candidate must have:
experience in protein production and isolation very good oral and written proficiency in English.
We seek a candidate who appreciates experimental work, but who also has an interest in data analysis. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Additional qualifications

Experience in spectroscopic studies of proteins is meriting
Experience in electrochemistry or kinetic studies is meriting.
Experience in working with hydrogenases or other metalloenzymes is meriting

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7
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Scope of employment 100 %.
Starting date 1 February 2027 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala University, Dept. of Chemistry – Ångström Laboratory, Molecular biomimetics program
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in
Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.
For further information about the position, please contact:
Prof. Gustav Berggren; +46184716580; gustav.berggren@kemi.uu.se
Please submit your application by 14 December 2026, UFV-PA 2026/3469.
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