PhD Scholarship in Quantum Biology

 

 

 

A PhD scholarship in quantum biology at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark is available from 1 September 2014.

A particularly striking example of a quantum mechanical process in biology is magnetoreception which assists navigation in animals such as migratory birds. Magnetoreception is suggested to arise through light absorption in cryptochromes, photoreceptors contained in the eye, which is influenced by the Earth’s magnetic field. In this project we seek to establish the magnetoreceptor role of cryptochrome in living organisms (including plants, insects, mammals and birds) through a combination of quantum chemistry and classical all-atom molecular dynamics simulations.

The successful candidate is required to have a bachelor degree in physics, chemistry or a similar programme plus at least one year of graduate studies in a relevant topic and be familiar with the concepts of scientific computing. Prior experience with computational quantum chemistry, classical molecular dynamics or parallel computing is considered as an advantage. The candidate should be able to work in a collaborative environment and have strong written and verbal communication skills.

For further information about the project please contact Ilia Solov’yov (ilia@sdu.dk, +45 6550 2532).


Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three (students who have completed their MSc) or four years (students who have not yet completed their MSc). Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three- or four-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement of 16 November 2011 on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

Applicants who have not yet completed their MSc
The award of a scholarship according to the 4 +4 programme allows the student to begin the PhD Programme prior to completion of his/her master's degree at SDU. Minimum requirements include completion of bachelor’s degree as well as 60 ECTS of the Master’s Programme. For the first two years of the 4+4 programme the student is enrolled in both the Master’s and the PhD Programmes. Within the first two years, the student must obtain his/her master’s degree in order to continue in the PhD Programme.  

It is a prerequisite for enrolment in the 4 +4 programme that the applicant’s previous course of study in both Bachelor and Master's Programme is completed with a satisfactory grade level and that the applicant is assessed to be capable of meeting the general requirements for enrolment after a maximum of one year's further study. 

If the student comes from another University, the Science Study Board will also have to approve transfer of credit from completed courses prior to approval of enrolment.

Applications must include at least the following:
1.    Project description 
2.    Motivation and substantiated background for the application  (please attach this under box "Application form")
3.    Curriculum vitae of the applicant 
4.    Copy of diplomas from undergraduate and graduate degrees and courses 
5.    Letter of recommendation from applicant’s former teacher or supervisor on the applicant’s research aptitude and whether the applicant is assessed to have the necessary knowledge of theories and methods within the chosen research field 
6.    Other letters of recommendation 
Applicants should note that letters of recommendation must be submitted before the application deadline in order to be included in the assessment of the applicant’s academic qualifications. Advertisements state that if none or some of the required material listed above is missing, the application will not be assessed.  

In their preparation of applications, applicants are advised to take contact to the department in order to obtain information on the research profile of the department, the context for the scholarship, supervisional practices and so on. 

The project description should include an account of the applicant’s specific areas of interest under the heading of the project, which research questions are to be addressed, an indication of which methods and theories will be applied as well as a time-plan for the project that shows a realistic progression towards completion of the PhD within a period of four years. 

Applications are assessed by the relevant Study Committee, acting on behalf of the PhD Committee. The Study Committee prepares a written recommendation to the Head of Department and the Head of the PhD School which for each applicant contains: 
1.    A brief characterization of the applicant's academic qualifications and the proposed project 
2.    Assessment of the applicant’s ability to complete the proposed project within the prescribed period 
3.    Any possible specific requirements that the applicant must meet such as supplementary courses or the equivalent as a prerequisite for satisfactorily completing the proposed PhD Programme 
This assessment is sent to the applicant for his/her information.

Applicants who have completed their MSc
The application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:

• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages)  (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Certified copy of diploma
• At least two reference letters, signed

The university encourages all persons interested in the position to apply, regardless of their age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University.

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link below. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. Please read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Campus:

Odense

Application deadline:

01/08/2014

Apply online