Doctoral student in Medical Science – Biochemistry

The PhD education in Medical Science comprises carrying out a scientific project and completing at least 30 credits of courses at third-cycle level. The doctoral student must also write a scientific compilation thesis or monograph corresponding to at least 120 credits. For more information about third-cycle studies at Sahlgrenska Academy, see https://www.gu.se/en/sahlgrenska-akademin/doctoral-studies

Project: Mitochondria convert chemical energy into ATP by utilizing a system of molecular machines, the respiratory chain complexes. The complexes driving oxidative phosphorylation are a mosaic of proteins encoded by the nuclear and the mitochondrial DNA. Therefore, assembly of the respiratory chain and the ATPase requires not only expression and import of many nuclear encoded proteins but also translation of mitochondrially encoded proteins. The mitochondrial genetic system is responsible for replication and transcription of the mitochondrial genome and for the synthesis of a few polypeptides within the organelle. Dysfunction of these processes underlies many human disorders and aging. It is therefore surprising that so little is known about mitochondrial protein synthesis. The main goal of this project is to unravel how protein synthesis by mitochondrial ribosomes is connected to quality control and proteolysis. Specifically, we will identify how auxiliary factors interact with the mitochondrial ribosome to mediate co-translational protein quality control. Because the respiratory chain is crucial for cellular energy metabolism, defects of mitochondrial gene expression result in severe human diseases. Hence, the information emerging from this study will be relevant for basic as well as for medical sciences. We will employ a combination of protein biochemistry, genetics and high-resolution single particle cryo-electron microscopy to reveal basic molecular mechanisms. For more information see our homepage: www.martinottlab.com

We are looking for you, who is genuinely interested in basic molecular mechanisms. You should have experience of protein analyzes and / or good knowledge in molecular biology or biochemistry. We value personal integrity as well as interest and commitment to development. You should have a good ability to express yourself in English in both speech and writing, as the projects are run in an international environment. You should also be able to work both independently and in a group.

Third-cycle studies are equivalent to four year full-time and lead to a Degree of Doctor. Those appointed to doctoral studentships shall primarily devote themselves to their studies. Those appointed to doctoral studentships may, however, work to a limited extent with educational tasks, research and administration (departmental duties). Before a PhD degree has been awarded, duties of this kind may not comprise more than 20 per cent of a full-time post.

Eligibility

To be eligible for third-cycle studies, the applicant must meet both the general and specific entry requirements.

A person meets the general entry requirements for third-cycle studies if he or she:
1. has been awarded a second-cycle qualification
2. has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
3. has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad

A person meets the specific entry requirements for third-cycle studies in Medical Science if he or she has successfully completed the English B/6 course or is considered to have acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

Assessment

In selecting between applicants who meet the general and specific entry requirements, their ability to benefit from third-cycle studies shall be taken into account. The assessment shall attach particular importance to documented qualifications for:
– specific knowledge and skills within the subject area and related research fields
– experience of scientific theory and relevant research methodology
– scientific analysis and presentation verified through thesis, degree project, scientific journals or the like.

Employment

After admission to third-cycle studies you will be appointed to doctoral studentship. Regulations for employment of doctoral students are given in SFS 1993:100. The initial appointment may apply for no longer than one year. An appointment may be renewed for no more than two years at a time. A person may be appointed to a doctoral studentship for a total of eight years. The total employment period may, however, not exceed the time corresponding to full-time third-cycle study for four years.

Location: Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell biology. Extent: 100%. First day of employment: as agreed.

Salaries for doctoral students are regulated in a local agreement at the University.

For further information regarding the position

For more information about the project please contact the principal supervisor,
Martin Ott, Professor, Institute of Biomedicine,
phone: +46-0722612871, e-mail: martin.ott@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services

https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply

In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

You must include the following, in pdf format

• Personal letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Proof of completion of  English 6 course or the acquired equivalent knowledge through previous studies

If your degree is from a university outside of Sweden, make sure that you attach a diploma and full transcripts that makes assessing your degree easier. 

If your degree has not been verified by a Swedish authority you need to provide contact details to the issuing university, registrar or similar, that can verify the degree at our request.

For information on what you need to submit in order to fulfill the English language requirement see https://www.universityadmissions.se/en/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/

Closing date: 2021-11-25

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.