researchJobsPostdoctoral Fellow in Mechanistic Studies of Bioenergetic Membrane Protein Complexes
From the ad
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. The department's premises are mainly in the Arrhenius laboratories together with the other chemical institutions and other institutions in the Faculty of Science. We are closer to 270 employees, who are currently active at the department. The research is of absolute world class and spans several large areas.
More information about us can be found at: Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.
Projektbeskrivning
We are looking for motivated postdoctorals for our ERC-Advanced Grant project "BioEnergetic"With a focus on mechanistic studies of bioenergetic protein complexes in biological energy conversion. The project focuses on how membrane-bound enzymes in mitochondrial and bacterial breathing chains captures redox energy and catalyze proton-coupled electron transfer reactions (PCET) in biological membranes. The project has a special focus on electric field effects in protein function and how these are control the biological function of the protein complexes and dynamics. The systems are explored with integrative methods, including, but not limited to biochemical, biophysical and structural experiments (cryo em, spectroscopy, proteoliposome experiments, directed mutagenesis) and / or molecular simulations (Q Candidates with either experimental and / or computational education are encouraged to apply. The postdoctorals will cooperate with other doctoral students, postdoctorals and senior researchers within an interdisciplinary project in Kaila's research group.
Central publications related to the project:
Beghiah a, et al. (2026)NatureComms; 17 (1): 5737.
Badolato'set al.(2026)Jacs 148 (20): 21056-21068.
Riepl det al. (2025) Jacs; 147 (8): 6866-6879.
Beghiah aet al. (2026) PNAS, 123 (16): E2534025123.
Purgin Mcet al. (2026) elife., 13: rp102104.
Beghiah aet al. (2025)Nature Comms 2024; 15 (1): 9098.
Riepl det al. (2024)Nature Comms15 (1), 5276.
Pool of the met al. (2024)Jctc 13, 5751.
Kim het al. (2023) Jacs 145 (31), 17075.
More information about Kaila's research group: https://youtu.be/A12FvTn812Q
Tasks
The project includes structural function-dynamics studies of complex membrane proteins by combining biophysical methods, structural biology and molecular simulations. The focus is on clarifying how electric fields affect proteins function. We welcome applications from researchers with expertise in calculation-based or experimental methods.
Eligibility requirements
In order to be authorized for employment as a postdoctoral doctor, the doctoral degree or foreign degree is deemed to correspond to the relevant doctoral degree. The degree must be completed by the employment decision.
Criteria
It is merit, if a doctoral degree or equivalent is exceeding three years before the last application date. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree can also be considered merit. With special reasons, leave for illness is meant due to illness, parental leave, trust assignments in trade union organizations, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances and clinical service or the subject area relevant service / assignment.
At the appointment, special emphasis will be attached to scientific skills. Important assessment grounds are deep understanding of theory, skill in the field of work, including an excellent publication history, ability to express themselves in speech and writing in English, analytical ability, creativity, initiative, independence and cooperation ability. Previous experience of either biophysical methods and / or calculation chemicals / biophysical methods applied to proteins / biological membranes is merit. We are looking for highly motivated candidates with the ambition to develop into future leaders in the field of research. The candidate should have previous training in molecular biophysics and / or calculation-based biophysical methods applied to complex biological systems.
If the employment
The employment relates to full-time and applies until further notice, at least two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Access as per agreement.
We are offering
With us you get the dynamics of the interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University to an exciting and creative environment. You work in an international environment and receive preferential terms. The university is located in the National City Park with good connections to the city.
Stockholm University is worth being a workplace that is free from discrimination and gives equal rights and opportunities for everyone.
Contact
Information about the employment is submitted by Professor, Ville R. I. Kaila, ville.kaila@dbb.su.se.
Application
You are looking for the employment via the Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach personal letter and CV and the annexes requested in the application form. You as an applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it is the university with the latest date of application.
Instructions for applicants are available on the website: To seek an employment.
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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.
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