Lund University, Faculty of Science, Department of Chemistry

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 47 000 students and more than 8 800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Work duties
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). 

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. 

Qualifications
The applicant should have a MSc or similar degree in a subject relevant to the position.

  • Documented experience in computer simulations of macromolecular interactions.

Other merits
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.

We will place great emphasis on personal suitability. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen the administrative work within the unit/department, as well as contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment
2-year employment
Preferred start date: as soon as possible
The scope of the employment: full time
Contact person: Peter Jönsson (peter.jonsson@fkem1.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.).

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment As soon as possible or according to agreemnet
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2021/314
Contact
  • Peter Jönsson, senior lecturer, +46462228160
Union representative
  • OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-222 93 62
  • SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, 046-222 93 64
  • SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-222 93 66
Published 08.Feb.2021
Last application date 21.Feb.2021 11:59 PM CET

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