Assistant Researcher - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace
The Systems Virology group is located at the Department of Translational Medicine and is led by Associate Professor Joakim Esbjörnsson. The group uses various bioinformatics and phylogenetic methods to combine genetic, clinical and epidemiological data to explain how viruses adapt to new environments – both at the population level and in individuals. In addition, various experimental model systems are used to study in detail how virus-host interactions regulate disease progression. The research is therefore often based on complex and multifaceted (often longitudinally collected) data that require advanced biostatistics and modeling. In addition, identified key markers and regulators of disease progression, and their potential for new treatments or vaccines, are functionally evaluated in various human cell and tissue model systems. Here you can read more about our exciting research: www.virology.lu.se.

Within the research group, we safeguard a good work environment with respect and consideration in our relationships with each other. We strive for a workplace that is perceived as developing and stimulating for all employees, and we constantly work to create conditions for job satisfaction, development and participation for all employees. We care about both physical safety and the psychosocial work environment.

We offer 
Lund University is a government agency, which means that you receive special benefits, generous holidays and a favorable occupational pension.

Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work with us.

Tasks
In the role of assistant researcher, you will work with amplification and sequencing of the gene encoding the envelope of HIV-1. Since the sequences are generated from longitudinally collected samples, virus evolution will be analyzed by so-called Bayesian phylogenetics and phylodynamics (state-of-the-art) after in-depth analysis of the presence of different recombinant variants of HIV-1 (which must be sorted out before phylogenetic analysis because they violate the evolutionary assumptions made when selecting a suitable substitution model). The tasks also include the generation of data and analysis of virus replicative capacity in indicator cell lines. The replicative capacity is determined using FACS analysis. Molecular biological and bioinformatics analysis of data is compiled in reports and finally by writing manuscripts that are submitted to scientific journals for review and publication. During the employment period, active participation in group meetings and project presentations is also expected (this also includes own presentations).

Qualifications 
The employment requires: 

• Doctoral degree.
• Experience of working in a biosafety level 3 environment abbreviated BSL-3 (protection class required for work with highly pathogenic bacteria and viruses).
• Relevant experience in evolutionary biology (mainly virus evolution and selection processes).
• Relevant experience in cell biology (mainly cell culture), molecular biology (mainly PCR-based techniques), and phylogenetic sequence analysis (management and analysis of the sequence data collected from longitudinal test series).
• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.
• That you are driven, can work independently and have a good ability to work together.

Additional qualifications for the position are:

• Knowledge of virus-host interactions and how these relate to disease development.
• Publications in reputable journals on the subject of virology.

Other 
The employment is a fixed-term employment (ALVA) for 12 months of 100% with starting date as soon as possible. 

How to apply
The position is applied for via the university's recruitment system. The application must contain a personal letter in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the job, as well as a CV. The application must also contain a copy of the doctoral degree.