PhD students Protein Design

Department of Molecular Sciences

Third-cycle subject area

Chemistry

 

Description of the doctoral project

We are looking for a highly motivated doctoral student to join our research group in de novo protein design. The position is funded by a Novo Nordisk Foundation Ascending Investigator grant and focuses on developing next-generation protein-based catalysts for sustainable chemical transformations.

With increasing global demand for sustainable materials, chemicals, and food production, there is a pressing need for innovative catalytic solutions. This project aims to design enzymes that do not exist in nature, combining physics-informed design principles, AI-driven protein engineering, and synthetic biology.

About the position

As a doctoral student, you will work at the interface of computational and experimental protein science. Your research will include:

- De novo protein and enzyme design using computational and AI-based methods

- Experimental expression, purification, and characterization of designed proteins

- Development of novel biocatalysts for sustainable chemistry, green organic chemistry and circular bioeconomy applications

- Integration of protein design with synthetic biology approaches

 - Previous work in interdisciplinary research environments

Personal qualities such as analytical thinking, independence, collaboration skills, and scientific curiosity will be given great importance.

The designed biocatalysts and their reaction products will be analyzed using interdisciplinary biochemical and biophysical techniques.

You will be part of an international and collaborative research environment, with close interactions with academic and industrial partners. Dissemination of results through publications, conferences, and presentations will be an integral part of the position.

Requirements

To meet the general entry requirements you must have:

• been awarded a second-cycle (Master’s) qualification;
• satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second-cycle, or
• acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad (Higher Education Ordinance 1993:100, Chapter 7, Section 39).

Specific entry requirements for the third-cycle courses and study programme in [Chemistry]. To meet the specific entry requirements, you must have knowledge corresponding to at least 90 HEC in chemistry (general, analytical, inorganic and physical chemistry as well as biochemistry and organic chemistry). This must include a degree project, and subject-specific studies at the advanced level of at least 30 HEC.

You must also meet the equivalent English language requirements as those necessary for the Swedish upper-secondary qualification Engelska B/6.

Your profile

We are looking for a candidate who is highly motivated, creative, and interested in interdisciplinary research at the interface of chemistry, biology, and data science.

Ruired qualifications:

- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, chemical biology, or a related field

- Strong proficiency in spoken and written English

Meriting qualifications:

- Experience in protein engineering, enzymology, or molecular biology

- Experience with computational methods (e.g. de novo protein design, molecular modelling, machine learning, or bioinformatics)

- Experience with biochemical or biophysical characterization techniques

About us

The Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU in Uppsala has approximately 110 employees and, together with two other departments, forms an inspiring research environment at the BioCenter located on the Ultuna campus in Uppsala. Here, you will find expertise in chemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, plant biology and food science, as well as advanced infrastructure including molecular biology platforms, NMR, and X-ray techniques.

The research in the advertised position will be conducted within the Organic Chemistry division, led by Professor Per-Olof Syrén, Chair of Organic Chemistry.

Read more about staff benefits and life as an SLU employee on https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ 

Read more about third-cycle courses and study programmes on www.slu.se/utbildning/program-kurser/forskarutbildning/.

Form of employment

Employment as a doctoral student (4-year programme)

Location:

Uppsala/Ultuna

Scope:

100%

Start date:

Upon agreement

Application and selection:

Please submit your application using the link below. The deadline is 4 May 2026.

Read more about the attachments that your application should include at https://www.slu.se/en/study/programmes-courses/doctoral-education/how-can-i-become-a-doctoral-student/application/

Selection among eligible applicants is based on the documents attached to the application, and is carried out with regard to the applicant’s ability to complete the programme within the allotted time.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

 

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 4,000 employees, 6,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 4,5 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.