Postdoctoral position in Biophysical Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS), Department of Chemistry brings together scientists active within the fields of biochemistry, molecular biophysics, structural biology, and physical and theoretical chemistry. We study biological and designed protein systems using a combination of classical and advanced techniques including optical and NMR spectroscopy, surface plasmon resonance, light and X-ray scattering, cryo-electron and fluorescence microscopy and X-ray crystallography. You will join the research groups of Kristine Steen Jensen and of Sara Linse at CMPS. The work will be focussed on the use and development of NMR methods to study protein self-assembly and amyloid formation.

Subject description

Biophysical chemistry involves research directed towards molecular questions in biological systems. The experimental and theoretical methods used often have their origins in physics. The biophysical chemistry research within the divisions of Biophysical Chemistry as well as Biochemistry and Structural Biology (Department of Chemistry), include experimental and theoretical research on biological matter. Significant work is devoted to protein self-assembly and co-assembly and interactions with other biomolecules. The current projects focuses i) on the understanding of the role of small posttranslational modifications in protein amyloid formation of superoxide dismutase 1 associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and ii) on a class of chaperones that through interactions increase the solubility of other proteins (clients) and thereby prevent or delay precipitation and amyloid formation.  The work will focus on the development of NMR methods for the study of these systems and for the characterization of transiently formed soluble oligomers. 

Work duties

The main duty of a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

The work will focus on the use of solution state NMR spectroscopy to study protein self-assembly reactions with a focus on NMR translational diffusion methods for complex systems and NMR relaxation methods.

The project involves: 

• Experimental studies of superoxide dismutase 1 misfolding and aggregation using NMR spectroscopy. The goal is to identify specific contacts and structural transitions important for oligomer formation as function of reaction conditions and specific protein side chain modifications. Hereby unravelling the effect of specific posttranslational modifications on amyloid formation.
• Experimental studies of chaperone self-assembly, chaperon-client interactions and co-assembly with amyloid forming proteins. The aim is to characterize and understand the fundamental protein-protein interactions involved, and the origin of client solubility enhancement at the molecular level using NMR spectroscopy. The work will include determination of size-distributions, partition coefficients, stoichiometries, equilibrium versus kinetic control, energy barriers, and co-assembly structures over a range of length scales.

You will have specific responsibility for NMR method development and implementation, data acquisition and data analysis. 

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

A person meets the general admission requirements for a post-doctoral position if the applicant:

• has been awarded a PhD in biophysical chemistry with NMR spectroscopy as the main method.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Excellent knowledge and documented expertise in experimental protein solution NMR.
• Good programming skills (python or MATLAB). 
• Ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

Assessment criteria

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. 

Other qualifications:

• Ability to work independently. 
• Good collaborative skills.
• Has experience with protein purification.
• Has been involved as project co-supervisor or mentor of undergraduate student.

Consideration will also be given to 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of two years (24 months). 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”).

How to apply

Applications are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”  

Welcome to apply!