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

Subject description

At the division of Physical Chemistry, we perform research on soft matter and colloid and interface science. A large part of the research concerns different biological model systems to study proteins, lipid membranes and their interactions. The division has access to a range of relevant experimental tools such as different scattering methods (SAXS, and instruments for static and dynamic light scattering) and spectroscopy methods (NMR, CD).

In the present research project, which will be performed in collaboration with researcher at the Center for Molecular Protein Science, we study structure, thermodynamics, kinetics, and dynamics of protein amyloid formation. We focus on fibril-fibril interactions and the interactions of amyloid proteins with different lipid aggregates and with chaperone proteins. In the latter case we are interested in the molecular mechanisms of chaperone actions on the amyloid fibril formation process. We also study self-association of different chaperone proteins.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research concerning structure, thermodynamics, kinetics and dynamics of protein aggregates such as various amyliod fibrils and their interaction with chaperone protein. 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.

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.
• PhD in physical chemistry or physics in the area of soft condensed matter or biophysics.
• Documented experience and competence in static and dynamic light scattering. Both concerning experimental design and performance, and with data reduction and data analysis.
• Documented experience and competence within small angle scattering of neutrons and X-rays. Both concerning experimental design and performance, and with data reduction and data analysis.
• Documented experience and competence of modelling of scattering data.
• Experience of working with protein samples, including standard techniques for protein purification and analysis of secondary structures.
• Experience and competence in programming in Matlab or similar software.

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 and competence in high resolution solution NMR.
• Experience and competence in research on protein aggregation.
• Experience of cryo-transmission electron microscopy.
• Success in obtaining SANS och SAXS beamtime at neutron- och synchotron facilities.

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 and OFR/S, dated 1st 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), that includes a motivation why you find this opening interesting, and how you see that you can tribute to the proposed research,
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.