Principal Research Engineer in Biophysics

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programmes in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, as well as Bachelor’s Programme in Pharmacy/Dispensing Pharmacists. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg’s top ranking in life science. We are centrally located in Natrium, Medicinareberget, Gothenburg.

The research project aims to investigate how molecular and structural changes in the nervous system influence neuronal information processing and behaviour in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans. The project combines experimental structural biology with computational modelling and takes advantage of the extensively characterized nervous system of C. elegans, for which both neuronal connectivity and cell-specific gene expression have been mapped.

A central part of the project is to investigate structural changes in ligand-gated ion channels using time-resolved X-ray methods at synchrotron and XFEL facilities. In parallel, computational models of the C. elegans nervous system are being developed to investigate how neuronal activity and changes in specific ion channels influence information flow and observable behaviour. The project also includes high-resolution X-ray imaging of C. elegans and the development of computational methods for the analysis of experimental data.

The advertised position is interdisciplinary and will contribute to integrating the experimental and computational components of the project.

Duties

The position involves independently planning and conducting research and methodological development in experimental and computational biophysics. The work includes time-resolved structural studies using synchrotron- and XFEL-based methods, production of material for X-ray imaging, as well as the development and application of quantitative methods, modelling and machine learning for the analysis of complex biological systems. A central part of the position is to contribute to the integration of the experimental and computational aspects of the project, from structural studies of proteins to modelling of neural systems and behaviour. The position also includes scientific and technical coordination within the facility of biochemistry and structural biology, supervision of PhD students, and analysis, publication and presentation of research results.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position:

• A doctoral degree in biophysics, physics, structural biology, or another relevant field in the natural sciences, or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree.
• Documented experience of experimental research using synchrotron- and/or XFEL-based methods.
• Documented experience of quantitative analysis and modelling of experimental data.
• Documented ability to independently plan, conduct and analyse research and methodological development.
• Documented scientific production in fields relevant to the position.
• Experience of scientific programming and computational methods for the analysis of biological systems.
• Very good proficiency in spoken and written English.

Meritorious for the position:

Experience of time-resolved structural biology, such as time-resolved X-ray solution scattering or serial crystallography, as well as experience of conducting experiments at international synchrotron or XFEL facilities, is considered meritorious. Experience of machine learning, scientific simulation and modelling of biological or neural systems is also considered meritorious, as is experience of analysing large scientific datasets and working in high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Experience of X-ray imaging or coherent diffractive imaging is also an advantage.

Further merits include experience of interdisciplinary research, methodological development including the development and construction of experimental setups, scientific coordination, and supervision of students or PhD students. Particular emphasis will be placed on the ability to work independently and in a structured manner, collaborate across disciplinary boundaries, and communicate complex experimental and computational research questions.

Employment

The position is a permanent, full-time (100%) appointment based at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg, within the project KAW_Neutze_2023. A probationary period may apply. Start date as soon as possible or by agreement.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Julia Morud Lekholm, julia.morud@gu.se

Unions

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply-for-a-position#collective-agreement-and-union-representatives

Application

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application must include

• Résumé/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered. The qualifications claimed must be documented, certified and translated into English if they are in a language other than Swedish or English.

All attachments must be labelled in a way that clearly shows their content.

Applications must be received by: 2026-12-02

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.