Postdoctoral fellow in physical chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The aim of the project is to do coarse grain simulations of proteins binding across cell contacts. This underlies how our immune system activates when recognizing a pathogen and how it can separate between our own cells and e.g. a virus or a bacterium. The simulations will in particular aid to understand the observations recently obtained by us and colleagues in the contact between a T cell and a model cell surface called an SLB (see e.g. Junghans et al. doi: 10.1242/jcs.245985). 

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. 

The initial task of the project is to implement or develop a simulation model capable of doing coarse grain simulations of protein binding at the interface between an SLB and a cell. This will be used to study:

Binding at different proteins densities in the SLB and the dependence of auxiliary binding molecules. How mixtures of different proteins (with different lengths, densities, and binding affinities) influence the binding. Binding between the two proteins CD4 and T-cell receptors to the same cell receptor (MHC). How dynamic, finger-like structures on the cell called microvilli influence protein-protein binding. 

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented experience in computer simulations of macromolecular interactions.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers.

Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

Experience of computer simulation of protein binding across cell contacts. Experience of coarse grain simulations of protein-protein interactions Experience with molecular simulation (MC/MD) of biological membranes. Knowledge of C/C++ programming. Experience with advanced data analysis (Jupyter notebooks or similar). Knowledgeable and keen interest in biology and the immune system.

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 department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S, OFR/S and SEKO, dated 4 September 2008. 

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.