Project assistant in Biology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
Odorant receptors are involved in resource discrimination and mate finding in moths. Many moths in diverse Lepidopteran families use similar pheromone components, detected by receptors that in some cases are closely related and in other cases have diverged remarkably but retained functional characteristics. The same holds for receptors involved in bark beetle pheromone communication and host detection. This project aims at identifying structural characteristics of moth and bark beetle odorant receptors and to investigate how these receptors may cope with anthropogenic changes in the olfactory landscape of insects. The project will involve modelling of receptor-ligand interactions, mutagenesis and structural studies using cryo-EM and x-ray crystallography.

Work duties
The main duty is to conduct research within the Max Planck Centre for Next Generation Insect Chemical Ecology (nGICE), a high level cooperation between Lund University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and The Max Planck Society. The succesful candidate will work within the nGICE Max Planck center, and is expected to collaborate with colleagues at the partner institutes and partly work there.

Work duties include:

• Characterization of olfactory receptors
• Modelling of receptor-ligand interactions
• Mutagenesis
• Overexpression and purification of receptor proteins
• Bioinformatics, molecular biology, cell assays
• Structural studies using cryo-EM and x-ray crystallography

Qualifications

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English
• Strong skills in bioinformatics, molecular modelling, molecular biology, receptor physiology
• Experience working with heterlogous expression systems
• Experience with electrophysiology
• Knowledge about and strong interest in structural studies of olfactory proteins

Other merits

• Doctoral degree or equivalent

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject area. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the nGICE center, and how they stand to contribute to the center’s future development.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment for 6 months. The position will start as soon as possible, according to agreement. For questions/more information, please Contact Professor Christer Löfstedt, +46462229338, christer.lofstedt@biol.lu.se.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications should include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the employment corresponds to your qualifications. The application should also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).