Postdoctor in Virus biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Work duties

Nucleic acids constitute one of the main components of viruses by molecular weight, and the viral genome is often strongly confined into a small volume of the capsid. This is true for most prokaryotic viruses such as double-stranded (ds) DNA/RNA phages, dsDNA archaeal viruses as well as many eukaryotic viruses (e.g. herpesviruses and reoviruses). The length of ds-genome in those viruses is several hundred times longer than the diameter of the capsid. We recently found that this internal DNA stress leads to 30 atmospheres capsid pressure in human Herpesviruses. This genome pressure is responsible for DNA ejection into a cell nucleus during infection.

The aim of this project is to explain how the physically stressed state of the confined viral DNA directly affects the infectious cycle by analyzing energy and structure of virally encapsidated genome. The main experimental approach will be Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS).

Lund University offers direct access state-of-the-art facilities for X-ray scattering (MAX IV) and soon to be completed brightest neutron scattering source (ESS) for structural analysis of virally packaged genomes. This project will be conducted in close collaboration with MAX IV and ESS scientists.

For more information see:

https://europeanspallationsource.se

https://www.maxiv.lu.se

Qualifications

To qualify to a position as a postdoctor, the PhD degree or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a PhD in the field of employment, must be completed no more than three years before the end of the application period. If there are special reasons, the PhD may have been completed earlier.

Requirements

• PhD, preferable in physics, physical chemistry or chemistry
• Research experience in neutron scattering (SANS) and/or X-ray scattering (SAXS) is required
• Experience with modeling of SANS or SAXS data

Merits

Laboratory experience in biochemistry and/or cell biology as well as experience with cell and virus production is preferable but not required

Terms

The employment is limited to a maximum of two years employment and refers to full-time. The employment is limited by agreement, "Agreement on time-limited employment as postdoctor", between social partners dated 2008-09-04 (Arbetsgivarverket, OFRs, Saco-S and SEKO).

Start date 1st of March or by agreement.