Postdoctoral position in Protein NMR Spectroscopy - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The research at the division for Biophysical Chemistry is dedicated to the study of biomolecular interactions, structure and dynamics, with the aim of understanding biological systems and processes at the molecular level. The emphasis is on experimental and theoretical studies of the physical properties of proteins in solution.

The division of Biophysical Chemistry is part of the Center for Molecular Protein Science (CMPS), Department of Chemistry.

CMPS offers a highly creative environment conducive to excellent research. CMPS is the proud home of several research groups that have received prestigious research grants, currently including 1 ERC-Consolidator, 1 ERC-Advanced, 1 ERC-Synergy, and 3 project grants awarded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. CMPS comprises research groups with competence in a range of biochemical and biophysical methods (please see: https://www.cmps.lu.se), thereby offering an excellent learning environment for PhD students and postdocs.

The position is placed in Prof. Mikael Akke’s research group and is funded by the European Research Council through a ERC-Synergy grant. The project involves a collaboration between 3 research groups representing complementary expertise in biophysical methods: Mikael Akke (NMR spectroscopy), Eike Schulz (time-resolved X-ray crystallography) at University of Hamburg, and Kresten Lindorff-Larsen (molecular dynamics simulations and computational chemistry) at University of Copenhagen. The project focuses on the dynamics of protein–ligand binding. Fully staffed, the project will involve 2 PhD students and 1 postdoc in the Akke group. In addition, other projects in the Akke group involve 3 PhD students, 3 postdocs, and 1 senior research funded by the other grants.

The NMR facility at the Department of Chemistry houses an 800 MHz Bruker NEO instrument with 4 channels and a 5 mm TCI Z-gradient CryoProbe with cooled preamplifiers for 1H, 13C, 15N, and 2H, and a 600 MHz Bruker Avance NEO with 4 channels and a 5 mm QCI(P) Z-gradient CryoProbe 1H-19F/13C/15N/31P. The NMR facility is serviced by a full-time facility manager.

Subject description

The project focuses on the relationship between conformational dynamics and ligand binding in proteins.

Work duties

The main duty involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Formal 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 position offers ample opportunities to develop independence as a researcher.

You will be engaged in advanced NMR relaxation experiments to study conformational exchange in proteins during ligand binding. 

You will be responsible for defined sub-projects within the overall framework of the research collaboration. You will work closely with and take part in supervising PhD students.

Detailed description of the work duties:

• Research within the subject area, specifically protein NMR spectroscopy with a strong emphasis on heteronuclear relaxation methods to study molecular dynamics, and methods development within this area
• Supervision of Master students and PhD students
• Teaching in second and third cycles of studies
• Administrative tasks related to the above

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

Additional requirements:

• PhD degree within chemistry or physics
• Extensive experience and practical knowledge of biomacromolecular NMR spectroscopy,
• Very good skills in oral and written English
• Very good communication skills

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 criteria:

• Extensive experience of multi-dimensional heteronuclear relaxation methods to investigate molecular dynamics
• Experience of methods development in NMR spectroscopy.
• Independence and ability to collaborate 

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 2 years with potential for extension by 1 additional year. 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 shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Welcome with your application!