European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
1 week ago
PhD in Probing Conformational Membrane Protein Dynamics by Time-Resolved X-ray Solution Scattering European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Molecular Biology
Funding
Funded PhD project. ESRF contract is for three years (2 years renewable by 1 year), followed by a fourth year at Umeå University supported by the university. Competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for relocation to Grenoble.
Deadline
Oct 15, 2026
Country
France
University
European Synchrotron Radiation Facility
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.
Apply for this position
Keywords
Suggested positions
About this position
PhD opportunity: Probing conformational membrane protein dynamics by time-resolved X-ray solution scattering (TR-XSS).
This funded PhD project is hosted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) in Grenoble, France, within the ID09 team focused on ultrafast X-ray science. The project investigates the structural dynamics of two biologically and medically important membrane proteins: the zinc-transporting ATPase SsZntA and the dopamine D2 receptor.
You will use laser-triggered caged compounds to initiate ATP- and ligand-driven reactions and follow structural changes from milliseconds to seconds. The work combines biophysics, molecular biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced synchrotron methods to reveal how membrane proteins function at the molecular level.
A key part of the project is also methodological: developing improved TR-XSS workflows to extend the accessible time range and reduce sample consumption, enabling studies of challenging membrane proteins that are slow, complex, or difficult to produce in large quantities.
Funding: The position is a funded PhD project. The ESRF contract runs for three years (2 years renewable by 1 year), followed by a fourth year at Umeå University supported by the university. The post also mentions a competitive compensation and allowances package, including relocation support for Grenoble.
Eligibility: Applicants should hold a degree allowing enrollment for a PhD (for example MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea, or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, molecular biology, or a closely related field. A background in biophysics is desirable, and English proficiency is required. Candidates must satisfy doctoral enrolment conditions and comply with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie mobility rule.
Deadline: 15 October 2026.
Supervisor/contact: Matteo Levantino (ESRF).
Funding details
Funded PhD project. ESRF contract is for three years (2 years renewable by 1 year), followed by a fourth year at Umeå University supported by the university. Competitive compensation and allowances package, including financial support for relocation to Grenoble.
What's required
Degree allowing enrollment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, molecular biology or a closely related science; background in biophysics is desirable; proficiency in English; candidates must satisfy conditions for enrolment in a doctoral programme; applicants must comply with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule and must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host institute’s country for more than twelve months in the three years before the application deadline; candidates must not already hold or be working towards a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment and must provide proof of diploma at application.
How to apply
Apply now through the FindAPhD listing and be prepared to apply for the relevant Umeå PhD programme if shortlisted for interview. Check the ESRF employment terms page for details and submit before the deadline.
More information can be found here
Ask ApplyKite AI
How do I apply for this?
Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.