🌿 Explore the Structural Secrets of Photosynthesis with Cryo-EM
The Department of Plant Physiology at Umeå University is pleased to invite applications for a 2-year postdoctoral scholarship as part of the project “High-resolution structures of Photosystem II.” This position provides a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and photosynthetic protein structure research in one of Europe’s top plant research environments.
🔬 About the Research
Join Professor Johannes Messinger’s team at the Umeå Plant Science Centre (UPSC) and contribute to understanding how plants split water and produce oxygen—a fundamental process of life. The project focuses on:
- Capturing high-resolution cryo-EM structures of Photosystem II
- Investigating protonation states, protein dynamics, and mutation effects
- Complementing structural studies with biophysical and computational approaches
You’ll collaborate with international experts and may also gain hands-on experience with spectroscopy (EPR, fluorescence), membrane inlet mass spectrometry (MIMS), and even snap-shot crystallography at X-ray free electron lasers.
📍 Position Details
- Duration: 2 years
- Start date: October 1, 2025 (or by agreement)
- Scholarship: 360,000 SEK/year, tax-free
- Running Costs: 260,000 SEK/year funded by Kempe Foundation (JCSMK24-599)
- Application deadline: September 1, 2025
- Location: Umeå University, Sweden
- Cryo-EM Facility: https://www.umu.se/forskning/infrastruktur/umea-centre-for-electron-microscopy-ucem/
🎓 Who Should Apply
We’re looking for candidates with a PhD in Structural Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, or related fields. Candidates should ideally have:
- Experience with cryo-EM sample prep, data collection & structure building
- Background in photosynthetic systems or protein purification
- Familiarity with biophysics, bioinformatics, or data management
- Strong communication skills and ability to work in collaborative international teams
📄 How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Umeå University’s e-recruitment system Varbi by September 1, 2025.
Your application (in English or Swedish) should include:
- Cover letter (max 2 pages)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list
- PhD certificate or expected defense date
- Transcripts and diplomas
- PhD thesis and/or relevant publications
- Contact info for 2–3 referees
- Any other documents relevant to the application
🌐 More about the research group:
https://www.upsc.se/researchers/6542-messinger-johannes-how-do-plants-make-oxygen-and-fix-carbon-dioxide.html
📧 For further information, contact: Email Id Here!