Post-doctoral fellow in Biophysical chemistry

Subject description

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. The research includes experimental and theoretical studies of biological matter. We address molecular questions in biological systems, and study biological and designed proteins 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. The experimental and theoretical methods used often have their origins in physics. Significant work is devoted to protein self-assembly and co-assembly and interactions with other biomolecules. You will join the research group of Sara Linse at CMPS. The research group primarily investigates peptides and proteins implicated in diseases associated with their aggregation and fibril formation. These systems are characterized using both purified and complex samples. The work is focussed on the development of a universal cryo-Cage for structural analysis of refractory targets based on EF-hand complementation.

 Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

The project has two parts: i) development of a universal cryo-Cage for structural determination of proteins that are otherwise too small for cryo-EM, and ii) tau aggregation and diagnostics. Part i) is initially focused cryo-Cage development on a molecular level, including protein design, expression, purification and validation of formed cages using microfluidics diffusional sizing, DLS, mass photometry and cryo-TEM imaging. One a functional design is at hand, the work will be focused on structure determination using cryo-EM of one test case of know structure, followed by a test case of partially know structure and finally some targets of fully unknown structure. Part ii) initially focuses on tau aggregation, the impact of different inhibitors on its aggregation mechanism, and the development of tau-based diagnostics. The work will also include the writing of manuscripts as well as supervision of bachelor and master degree projects.

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, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

• Documented experience with, and knowledge of, spectroscopic and isotope-based techniques to characterize and monitor protein self-assembly into discrete aggregates, the formation of reaction intermediates and the exchange of subunits.
• Documented experience with, and expertise in, protein expression and the development of tag-free purification protocols to achieve ultra-high homogeneity.
• Documented experience with, and knowledge of, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for structural analysis of proteins and protein complexes, including sample preparation, grid freezing and image acquisition.
• Documented ability to apply for and get awarded external research funding.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Documented physicochemical understanding of proteins in solution and their interactions with other proteins.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

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:

• Proven ability to develop and carry out high-quality research.
• Practical experience with, and knowledge of, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for structural analysis of proteins and protein complexes, including sample preparation, grid freezing and image acquisition.
• Practical experience with, and expertise in, protein expression and the development of tag-free purification protocols to achieve ultra-high homogeneity.
• Practical experience with, and knowledge of, spectroscopic and isotope-based techniques to characterize and monitor protein self-assembly into discrete aggregates, the formation of reaction intermediates and the exchange of subunits.
• Practical experience in isotope and fluorophore labeling of proteins.
• Experience and ability to design and execute experiments to evaluate protein self-assembly.
• An ability to derive equations and writing code to analyze data on protein self-assembly.
• Practical experience in measuring protein size distributions and knowledge of the underlying association models.
• Ability to apply for and get awarded external research funding
• Demonstrated pedagogical skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. 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”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.