Research Engineer, Protein Crystallography - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Lund Protein Production Platform (LP3, www.lu.se/lp3) is a centre of Lund University that hosts equipment and expertise for the production, purification, characterization and crystallization of proteins. LP3 is a service unit offering high quality protein production and crystallization for use in biological, medical and technological research. LP3 is located in the biology house in the northern campus area and close to the rich research environment offered by the faculties of science, medicine and technology. It is also close to the world-class research infrastructures MAX IV and ESS.

Job description

You will have an important role at LP3, within protein crystallization and characterization with special responsibility for data collection at synchrotron beamlines, process x-ray data and determine and refine protein structures. You will work experimentally on a project basis; communicate continually with clients and users, research collaborators as well as your LP3 colleagues. An ability to work independently and to drive projects forward is expected. Laboratory tasks include:

• Analysis and quality control of protein samples before crystallization trials.
• Production and crystallization of proteins as well as the study of their basic physical, chemical and functional properties.
• Protein purification in several steps of tagged and non-tagged recombinant proteins for structure and/or functional studies.
• To use basic protein analysis techniques (for example SDS-PAGE, UV/Vis spectrometry, masspectrometry, immuno-blotting).
• Operation and maintenance of equipment for crystallization.
• Applications for beamtime at synchrotron facilities.
• Protein X-ray data collection at synchrotron beamlines.
• Process X-ray data and determine and refine the structures.
• Analysis, documentation and presentation/reporting of experimental data.
• Hands-on supervision of visiting guest researchers in the laboratory.
• Continuous communication and dialogue with clients and users.
• To keep up a state of the art knowledge and current literature knowledge to adapt and/or develop new structural methods and experiment designs.

Qualifications

The successful candidate is a skilled, organized, service-minded life-science professional who enjoys laboratory-based projects in a high-paced, team-work environment with tight deadlines.

Minimal requirements:

• Ph.D. in biomedicine, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics or other relevant subject.
• A deep understanding of protein crystallization and characterization.
• Experience in X-ray data collection (from protein crystals) at synchrotron beamlines.
• Experience in X-ray data processing (from protein crystals) and determination and refinement of structures.
• Protein purification in several steps of tagged and non-tagged recombinant protein for structure and/or functional studies.
• A strong interest to learn and develop new techniques in protein crystallization and characterization.
• Experience with computers, software and databases for protein crystallization.
• Ability to carry out all laboratory operations in a safe and effective manner and to maintain a clean and orderly laboratory environment.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral).
• Experience in presenting results and methods.
• Fluent in English, both written and oral.
• Ability to be an effective team player.
• Customer and service orientated.
• Experience in contributing to the learning of others.

Desired but not required:

• Experience of advanced techniques for biophysical and biochemical characterization (for example MS, UV-CD, SAXS/SANS, SEC-LLS, SPR, calorimetry).
• Experience with crystallization of membrane proteins.
• Handling of eukaryotic expression systems for example Pichia pastoris, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mammalian and insect cell lines.
• Experience with documentation using electronic lab-books.
• Project planning and execution.
• Budget planning and invoicing.

Application

Your application must be submitted electronically. The application must include the following documents/attachments:  

1. Application letter (tell us on one page about yourself, your background and your motivation in a way that shows that you are the right person for the job.).

2. CV (personal data, education, work experience / research experience, language skills and other skills relevant to the position).

3. A certified / signed copy of the Ph.D degree.

4. List of publications (if applicable).

5. At least two references (including title / position, name, contact details and the person's connection to you).

 The position is for one year, with possible prolongation for another year.  

Lund University have a system with individual salaries. Please state your desired salary in your application.