PhD student in Computational Cryo-EM and Structural Biology

Publiceringsdatum: 2026-03-18

Linköpings Universitet är på jakt efter en skicklig doktorand och du kan vara rätt person för jobbet. Linköpings Universitet söker efter en ny anställd på heltid under 6 månader eller längre som är redo att ta sin karriär till nästa nivå. Arbetsplatsen ligger nära tillhands om du är bosatta i Linköping som är tjänsteorten.

Företaget Linköpings Universitet erbjuder just nu spännande karriärmöjligheter. Om du vill jobba som doktorand har de nu ett ledigt jobb - kolla in annonsen för att se om du har rätt erfarenhet. Här är chansen att bli en del av Linköpings Universitet och jobba som doktorand! Ansök senast måndag den trettonde april 2026.

Jobbannons

For more information about the vacancy

https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/28719

Work assignments 

This PhD position focuses on methodological and computational development in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), with emphasis on image reconstruction, volumetric analysis, and modeling of structural heterogeneity in biological macromolecules.

Rather than only applying established workflows, you will explore new computational formulations and alternative ways of approaching reconstruction and variability analysis. The project combines applied mathematics, computational imaging, and structural biology. You will develop algorithms, implement and test software tools, and evaluate them on experimental cryo-EM datasets.

Cryo-EM is a rapidly growing field that has transformed structural biology over the past decade. The methods are proven and impactful, yet far from mature. This creates a unique opportunity: you will enter a field with demonstrated scientific merit and global momentum, while contributing to the development of its next generation of computational tools.

The project provides a strong foundation in computational biology, scientific programming, quantitative modeling, and data-driven life science—competences that are increasingly central in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, AI-driven drug discovery, and advanced research infrastructure. Graduates with this profile are highly competitive both in academia and in industry.

At the same time, this is a research-oriented position with strong academic visibility. The work is expected to result in publications in leading journals and presentations at major international conferences in structural biology, computational imaging, and data-driven life science.

The position is funded through the Wallenberg-funded Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) program and connected to SciLifeLab. DDLS is a national strategic research initiative designed to strengthen Sweden’s long-term competitiveness in data-driven biology. Being recruited as a DDLS doctoral student means joining a highly visible, well-funded, and nationally coordinated program with extensive networking opportunities, interdisciplinary training activities, and strong international exposure.

This makes the position both prestigious and strategically positioned: it provides access to a generous funding landscape, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a broad professional network across academia, research institutes, and industry. The program includes national meetings, thematic workshops, and conferences that facilitate global visibility and long-term career development.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20 per cent of full-time.

Qualifications

You have graduated at Master’s level in computational biology, physics, applied mathematics, computer science, bioinformatics, structural biology, or a related subject or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in one of these areas. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

Experience with programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C/C++ or similar) and an interest in quantitative or computational approaches are required. Prior experience with image analysis, machine learning, signal processing, or structural biology is meritorious but not mandatory. Excellent written and spoken English skills are required.

You are curious, motivated to learn, and interested in understanding problems at a fundamental level. You are not primarily driven by following trends, but by developing solid and well-motivated approaches. You enjoy tackling challenging problems, building deep technical competence, and gradually establishing yourself in an internationally competitive field. At the same time, you appreciate working in a collaborative and well-connected research environment.

The workplace

The Division carries out research and postgraduate education within computational imaging, applied mathematics, and structural biology. The research environment is embedded in Linköping University and closely connected to SciLifeLab and the national DDLS program.

Read more about the workplace at the link above.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of normally four years’ full-time equivalent. Extension of employment up to five years is based on the degree of teaching and institutional assignment. Further extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. You will initially be employed for one year, after which your employment will be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time, depending on your progress through the study plan. 

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.

More information about employee benefits is available https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/employee-benefits. 

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/help-for-applicants.

Application procedure

Your application must be received no later than the 13th of April 2026. 

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Linköping university has framework agreements and wishes to decline direct contacts from staffing- and recruitment companies as well as vendors of job advertisements.