Assistant Researcher at System Virology - 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, a flexitime agreement and a favorable occupational pension.

Work duties
Analysis of HIV-1 virus evolution, selection, and how HIV-1 adapts to the host associates with acute retroviral syndrome and cytokine/chemokine expression. This is done through so-called Bayesian phylogenetics and phylodynamics (state-of-the-art), as well as by advanced biostatistics in the form of multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis. Processing of raw sequence data is also required, e.g. by in-depth analysis of the presence of HIV-1 recombinants (which must be sorted out before phylogenetic analysis can be done, since recombinants can violate evolutionary assumptions when selecting appropriate substitution models).

Phylogenetic and bioinformatic analysis of the data is compiled into reports, and finally through the writing of manuscripts which 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).

Qualification requirements 

• Doctoral degree. 
• Relevant experience in evolutionary biology (mainly virus evolution and selection processes), immunology (mainly innate immunity), and phylogenetic sequence analysis (management and analysis of the sequence data collected from longitudinal test series). 
• Knowledge of virus-host interactions and how these relate to disease development.

• Very good oral and written communication skills in English.

• Large emphasis will be put on personal characteristics: The working tasks require that you are driven, can work independently and have a good ability to work together.

Merits: 

• Publications in reputable journals on the subject of virology.

Term of employment
The employment are a fixed term employment (SÄVA) and limited to four months.
Start date as soon as possible or by agreement. 

Instructions on how to apply 
You apply for this employment via Lund University's recruitment system Varbi. The application must include a personal letter, CV and diplomas of university degree.