Post-doctoral fellow in transthyretin amyloidosis - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science (LINXS: www.linxs.se) is an advanced study institute whose mission is to promote science and education focusing on the use of neutrons and X-rays, to attract world-leading scientists for focused research visits, and to create international networks.  

As part of its objectives to attract the world-class researchers and stimulate the development of new research using X-rays and neutrons, LINXS invites applications for a prestigious 2-year, individual postdoctoral research position in transthyretin amyloidosis.

Subject description

The molecular basis of  transthyretin amyloidosis.

The project will concern the structural characterisation of wild-type transthyretin alongside stable and unstable mutants. It aims to use advanced infrastructures for integrated structural biology to carry out a programme of work that will provide unique information on the molecular basis underlying transthyretin (TTR) amyloidosis. This information will be fed into a process of ligand characterization that can be used to probe TTR stability and the effectiveness of specific ligand in promoting molecular stability and avoiding amyloid aggregation. A central part of the project will be a linkup between the laboratory-based biophysical work in the Lund medical faculty, with clinical centres both local to Lund and internationally. The research will make critical comparisons between results obtained from recombinantly produced TTR and those from closely corresponding TTR mutants derived from human plasma. The overall aim will be to gain substantial progress for an understanding of the molecular basis underlying TTR amyloidogenesis, along with major steps in the identification of ligands that effectively block the TTR molecule from disassembly. Key techniques involved will be molecular biology, protein expression & purification, X-ray and neutron diffraction), SAXS/SANS, molecular dynamics.

Work duties

The postdoctoral researcher will be expected to dedicate their time to the research project. In addition, they will be expected to contribute to LINXS activities up to a maximum of 20% of their time; this could include, for example, involvement in activities and outreach. 

The postdoctoral researcher will be employed at LINXS, but will also be affiliated to the Prof Trevor Forsyth’s research group in the Biomedical Centre (BMC) of Lund University, and will interact with scientists in the Science and Engineering Faculties. The supervisor will be responsible for coordinating the research and personal development of the postdoctoral researcher. 

·         Detailed description of the work duties:

·         Research within the subject area as specified above.

·         Participation in experiments at national and international facilities. 

·         Delivery of seminars in relation to the scientific project.

·         Engagement with LINXS functions including: 

o   hosting of guest researchers.

o   engagement with scientific themes.

o   outreach activities. 

o   administration related to LINXS activities.

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 (parental leave will be taken into account). Based on merits and other circumstances, the doctoral degree may have been completed earlier. 

Additional requirements:

·         Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

·         Experience in neutron and/or synchrotron X-ray scattering and analysis.

·         Skills in computer modelling and programming. 

Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
 

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.

The following shall form the assessment criteria:

·         A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.

·         Independent thinking and ability to conduct own research in the field.

·         Good networking abilities.

·         Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills.

Additional beneficial assessment criteria:

·         Experience with neutron and/or X-ray methods.

·         Previous experience in X-rays/neutrons/molecular simulations.

Experience of processing and analysis of X-ray/neutron crystallographic data. 
Experience of work in an interdisciplinary and international environment. 

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years. One year extension might be possible. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the recently concluded 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 2021-11-19 and valid from the 1st of February 2022.

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.