Associate researcher in structural and functional characterization of P-type ATPases

Description of the workplace

The membrane protein structural biology group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science is at the forefront of its field. With this position, we aim to deepen our work in understanding the mechanisms of various P-type ATPases. The research group is led by senior lecturer Pontus Gourdon, and we are now seeking a motivated associate researcher (biträdande forskare) with experience in cryo-electron microscopy. Here is a selection of articles recently published by the group (see also tinyurl.com/vc2dsamz):

• Li et al (2025) Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (32):491
• Li et al (2024) Nature Communications 15(1):9605
• Augestad et al (2024) Nature 633:704
• Guo et al (2024) Nature Communications 15(1):2690
• Zhang et al (2022) Nature Communications 13(1):7483
• Salustros et al (2022) Nature Communications 13(1):5121
• Li et al (2022) Nature Communications 13(1):4339
• Wiuf et al (2022) Science Advances 8, eabn4331 

We offer 

Lund University is a governmental authority, which means you get special benefits, generous holidays and a favourable occupational pension. 

Read more on the university's website about being employed at Lund University, Work with us.

Work duties and area of responsibilities

The overarching goal of this research program is to uncover the fundamental molecular principles and determinants that orchestrate membrane protein function, particularly how interaction(s) with subunits, auxiliary proteins and/or ions/small molecules (i.e., ‘complexes’) allow or modulate membrane protein function. The intention is to study such phenomena approaching P-type ATPases in general with a focus on transition-metal transporting class IB P-type (PIB-) ATPases, which are cardinal for ion homeostasis. To accomplish this ambitious goal, we will exploit a multidisciplinary strategy centered on structural biological and biochemical methods. The recruited person will perform experimental research with a focus on cryo-EM to understand how P-type ATPases are regulated in normal and pathophysiology.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position:

• You must have a doctoral degree (PhD) in a relevant field, for example biochemistry or equivalent.
• You must have experience in publishing original papers in peer-reviewed journals. The focus of most of the articles should be within the field of structural biology, preferably on class IB P-type (PIB-) ATPases, which is the field in which the research will be conducted.
• You should have experience in cloning, production, and purification of membrane proteins, preferably targeting several different membrane protein families.
• You should have experience with single-particle cryo-EM, preparation and freezing of protein samples on grids, data collection, data processing, and structural analysis.
• You should have experience with functional analysis of membrane proteins.
• You should have experience in interdisciplinary collaborations.
• You should have excellent proficiency in English, both spoken and written.

Meritorious for the position are:

• It is desirable if you have extensive experience with the following software: CryoSPARC, Phenix, Coot, Chimera, and Pymol.
• It is desirable if you are self-driven.
• It is desirable that you have good teamwork skills.
• It is an advantage if you have published articles in peer-reviewed journals where you have experience as first author.

Terms 

The position is a fixed-term employment for about 1 year at 100 percent, preferably starting on May the 15th, 2025, or by agreement.

Interviews will be conducted via video as soon as possible after the the deadline for submitting applications.

How to apply

Application for the position should be made through the university's recruitment system. The application should include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the position matches your qualifications. The application should also include a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and any other documents you wish to submit (copies of transcripts, reference contact details, recommendation letters, etc.).