Postdoctoral researcher in Systems Virology - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Translational Medicine is one of the six departments at the Faculty of Medicine, Lund University. We conduct basic science in a laboratory setting, point-of-care and clinical research as well as carry out epidemiological studies.

About the research group
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 are now looking for a Postdoctoral researcher in System virology. The employment is a full-time, fixed-term position, limited to 2 years (with a possible extension of one year). Preliminary starting date is July 1, 2023 or according to agreement.

Work duties
In the role of Postdoctoral researcher, you will analyse the gene that codes for the envelope of HIV-1 and HIV-2, respectively. As the sequences have been generated from longitudinally collected samples, virus evolution is analyzed through so-called Bayesian phylogeny and phylodynamics (state-of-the-art). This is done after in-depth analysis of the presence of different recombinant variants of HIV (which must be sorted out prior to phylogenetic analysis since they often violate the evolutionary assumptions made in selecting appropriate substitution models). Moreover, the two virus types evolve at different rates, and advanced comparative analyzes will therefore need to be developed, including different types of model evaluation such as path-sampling and steeping-stone approaches. In addition to this, advanced biostatistics and bioinformatics analysis of large-scale data generated through so-called data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) collected from longitudinal sample series will be performed. 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 and basis for assessment
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. This eligibility requirement needs to be met no later than the time when the employment decision is made, and evidence that this requirement is met needs to have been sent in by this time at the latest. Candidates should have completed their PhD degree no more than three (3) years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier. These circumstances refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, clinical work, positions of trust within trade union organizations or other similar circumstances.

At Lund University, employment as a postdoctoral researcher provides opportunities for scientific and pedagogical merit. There is mainly room for merit in research, but also for certain higher education pedagogical training. Teaching may be included in the tasks. For the employment as a postdoctoral research, scientific ability will primarily be taken into account.

The following are also required for the position:

• PhD degree
• Relevant experience in evolutionary biology (mainly virus evolution and selection processes), molecular biology (mainly PCR-based techniques), phylogenetic sequence analysis, and analysis of mass spectrometry data (handling and analysis of sequence data sets collected from longitudinal sample series).
• Excellent skills in English speech and writing.
• That you are driven can work independently and have a good ability to work together.

Special emphasis will be placed on certain personal qualities. We are looking for you who have a good ability to cooperate and initiative. The following qualifications are considered to be a merit:

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

How to apply
The position is sought via the university’s recruitment system. Applications must include a personal motivation letter, in which you describe how you meet the qualification requirements and why you are interested in the position. The application must also contain a CV, contact information of two references, a diploma (including a grade transcript) and other documents you wish to be considered (e.g. letters of recommendation and list of publications).