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

Job description
A postdoc position is available in the area of biophysics and soft condensed matter. We shall study structural and dynamic properties of protein solutions as well as their dominating interaction forces, aggregation phenomena and phase transitions. Particular emphasis will be given to monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are engineered proteins that can serve as substitute antibodies in the immune system. Due to their high potential in e.g. cancer treatment, they attract enormous attention from pharmaceutical industry. At the same time the formulation of high concentration injectable mAb biologics is very challenging as it is often severely limited due to high turbidity and/or high viscosity.

In this project we aim at establishing an approach to understand the origin of this behaviour and to predict it from low concentration data and mAb molecular structure. The research is connected to a research program on mAbs at the Lund Institute of advanced Neutron and X-ray Science (LINXS), in close collaboration with an international consortium of 14 research groups in Europe and the USA.

The researcher will have to use a combination of computer simulations and numerical calculations in order to analyse, interpret and predict experimental data for various structural and dynamic properties. An important task will be the design and implementation of an appropriate coarse graining strategy to combine molecular information with advanced theoretical models from colloid and polymer physics for this purpose. While the focus of the work of the successful candidate will primarily be on theoretical calculations and computer simulation, (s)he will also have to perform a number of scattering experiments (static (SLS) and dynamic (DLS) light scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)).   

The project will be conducted at the University of Lund, Sweden, at the Division of Physical Chemistry.

Qualifications
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.

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.

Qualification requirements

• PhD in Theoretical Chemistry or similar with a strong biophysical/biomolecular background
• Experience with the development of multiscale molecular models (atomistic to coarse grained) for proteins and in particular monoclonal antibodies.
• Experience with advanced Metropolis Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics simulations.
• Experience with experimental scattering techniques such as SAXS and DLS on protein solutions.
• Documented ability to communicate in written and spoken English.
• Experience with analysing solution stability and a thorough theoretical understanding of properties such as osmotic pressure, virial coefficients, and solution structure factors are advantageous.
• The work involves bridging theory and experimental groups, and proven collaborative skills are an advantage.
• The work involves software development, and proven skills in Python and C++ programming is advantageous.

Starting date: January 2022.
The working language is English.

For more information please contact:
Peter Schurtenberger, e-mail: peter.schurtenberger@fkem1.lu.se

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.

Applicants should send their Curriculum Vitae with a cover letter describing their motivation and addressing the qualification requirements and questions posed during the online application procedure. The CV and cover letter should be written in English. Copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.