Postdoctoral position in bioenergetic protein complexes

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

Offer Description

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. We are approximately 270 employees, that work at the Department, and are engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

More information about us, please visit: The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Project description

We search for outstanding postdocs to join our ERC-Advanced Grant Project 'bioEnergetic', with a focus on mechanistic studies of bioenergetic protein complexes catalyzing biological energy conversion. The project focuses on how membrane-bound enzymes in mitochondrial and bacterial respiratory chains capture redox energy, and catalyze long-range proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions across biological membranes. The project has a special emphasis on electrical field effects in protein function, and how these effects direct the biological function and dynamics of the protein complexes. The systems are explored by integrative biophysical methods – including, but not limited to biochemical, biophysical and structural experiments (mutagenesis, spectroscopy, proteoliposome experiments, cryo-EM) and/or multiscale molecular simulations (QM/MM and atomistic molecular dynamics simulations, free energy methods, and machine learning). Candidates with either computational and/or experimental expertise are encouraged to apply. The postdoc will closely work with PhD students, postdocs and senior scientists in an interdisciplinary collaborative project within the Kaila Lab.

Recent publications related to the current project:

Beghiah A, et al. (2026) Nature Comms;17(1):5737.
Badolato S et al. (2026) JACS 148(20):21056-21068.
Riepl D et al. (2025) JACS;147(8):6866-6879.
Beghiah A et al. (2026) PNAS, 123(16):e2534025123.
Pöverlein MC et al. (2026) eLife.;13:RP102104.
Beghiah A et al. (2025) Nature Comms 2024;15(1):9098.
Riepl D et al. (2024) Nature Comms 15(1), 5276.
Pöverlein M et al. (2024) JCTC 13, 5751.
Kim H et al. (2023) JACS 145(31), 17075.

More information on the Kaila Lab: https://youtu.be/A12FvTn812Q

Main responsibilities

The project involves structure-function-dynamics studies of complex membrane proteins by combination of biophysical methods, structural biology, and multiscale molecular simulations. The emphasis of this project is on elucidating electrical field effects in protein function. We welcome researchers with an expertise in computational and/or experimental methodology to apply.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to excellent research skills. Important criteria when assessing this capacity are; documented knowledge and skill in the field of project, including an excellent publication track record, written and oral proficiency in English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence. We seek a highly motivated candidate, with ambitions to develop into a future field leader. The candidate should have prior training in molecular biophysics and/or computational biophysical methods applied to complex biological systems.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor, Ville R. I. Kaila, ville.kaila@dbb.su.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. 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.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

Where to apply

Website: https://su.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:973046/type:job/where:39/apply:1

Requirements

• Research Field: Chemistry
• Education Level: PhD or equivalent
• Research Field: Chemistry
• Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4

Work Location(s)

• Number of offers available: 3
• Company/Institute: Stockholms universitet
• Country: Sweden
• City: Stockholm

Contact

• City: Stockholm
• Website: https://www.su.se/