项目介绍

2026年4月22日

Job description

We are looking for a postdoctoral fellow with a strong interest in protein structure and self-assembly processes. Nature has chosen proteins as building blocks for many materials with remarkable functional and mechanical properties. Spider silk, with toughness higher than both steel and Kevlar, is one prominent example. Novel protein materials inspired by these structures could be part of the solution for a sustainable society. However, we need fundamental knowledge about how to assemble materials with properties in line with the natural products with the same efficiency and control as natural producers (e.g. spiders). In this project, we will dissect the triggering mechanisms of structural transition from alpha-helix to beta-sheets in spider silk proteins (spidroins). The project will include investigations of the thermodynamical and kinetic principles of alpha-helix to beta-sheet transitions of proteins as function of pH and ionic strength. A major part concerns how interfaces trigger structural switches in proteins. This will be studied by vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy.

The postdoctoral fellow is expected to have a leading role in the project and take the responsibility for running and further developing it. The position provides great opportunities for an ambitious researcher to develop skills within state-of-the-art biophysical methods such as vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy and NMR.

The project is a collaboration between the research groups of Christofer Lendel (more information can be found here), My Hedhammar (more information can be found here), and Eric Tyrode (more information can be found here). 

Qualifications

Requirements

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree in a relevant subject area, e.g. (bio)physical chemistry, biotechnology or structural biology. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• Demonstrated scientific skill in the form of publications in journals.
• High degree of independence in the design and implementation of research.
• Good ability to collaborate within a research group.
• Significant practical experience of laboratory work using techniques that are relevant for the project.
• Good ability to express oneself orally and in writing in English as it is required in day to day work.

Preferred qualifications

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree, obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience of laboratory work with structural characterization of proteins.
• Practical experience with vibrational sum frequency generation spectroscopy.
• Well-documented skills in scientific writing.
• Experience of teaching or training students in laboratory work.
• Awareness of diversity and equal opportunity issues, with specific focus on gender equality

Great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Join us at KTH

KTH shapes the future through education, research and innovation. As a leading international technical university, we play an active role in advancing the transition towards a sustainable society. At KTH, you have the opportunity to grow and develop in a creative and dynamic environment, with good working conditions and attractive benefits. Equality, diversity and equal opportunities are essential to quality and form an integral part of KTH’s core values as a university and public authority.

Learn more about our benefits and what it’s like to work and grow at KTH.

Trade union representatives

Contact information totrade union representatives.

To apply for the position

Log into KTH’s recruitment system to apply for this position. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete according to the instructions in the ad.

The application must include:

• CV including relevant professional experience and knowledge.
• Personal letter (containing a description of earlier experiences within the scientific field and a motivation for your interest in this assignment).
• Contact details to three references. 

Your complete application must be received at KTH no later than the last day of application, midnight CET/CEST (Central European Time/Central European Summer Time).

About the employment

The position offered is for, at the most, two years.

A position as a postdoctoral fellow is a time-limited qualified appointment focusing mainly on research, intended as a first career step after a dissertation.

Other information

For information about processing of personal data in the recruitment process.

It may be the case that a position at KTH is classified as a security-sensitive role in accordance with the Protective Security Act (2018:585). If this applies to the specific position, a security clearance will be conducted for the applicant in accordance with the same law with the applicant’s consent. In such cases, a prerequisite for employment is that the applicant is approved following the security clearance.

We firmly decline all contact with staffing and recruitment agencies and job ad salespersons.

Disclaimer: In case of discrepancy between the Swedish original and the English translation of the job announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.