Postdoctoral Researcher in Molecular Biophysics

Do you want to work in molecular biophysics, supported by competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Do you want an employer that invests in sustainable employment and offers secure, favorable working conditions? Welcome to apply for a position as a postdoctoral researcher in molecular biophysics at Uppsala University.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs, each focusing on different areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology and immunology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology, and structural biology. The scientific foundation for what we do lies within biology, but our research overlaps with other areas such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and physics. The department has over 200 employees, including about 60 doctoral students. Please read more about our work at https://icm.uu.se (https://icm.uu.se).

The work in Michael Landreh's research group focuses on the development and application of protein technology and mass spectrometry to understand the structure-function relationship of challenging protein systems, including membrane proteins and amyloids, which play key roles in cancer and neurodegeneration. The laboratory contains facilities for protein production and characterization as well as cutting-edge mass spectrometry. We collaborate closely with Prof. David Lane and Prof. Marie Arsenian-Henriksson's laboratories at Karolinska Institutet, which routinely use advanced live cell microscopy, cell sorting, and animal models to study molecular mechanisms in cancer. This allows us to combine structural biology with cellular disease models to study protein function from molecular to organismal level.

Job Responsibilities

The applicant will characterize protein complexes using lipid vesicles. This includes both membrane proteins and soluble proteins that have been encapsulated in vesicles. Using various molecular biology and biophysical techniques, primarily mass spectrometry and cryo-electron microscopy, we will illuminate the proteins' structures and interactions and how they are affected by the lipids. The focus of the postdoctoral project is to continue the ongoing work in the group regarding mass spectrometric methods to study proteins under as life-like conditions as possible. The postdoctoral researcher will express and purify proteins, monitor their structures and interactions in vesicles using mass spectrometry and cryo-electron microscopy, and correlate structural changes with biological activity. The project is a collaboration with Sebastian Eustermann's and Thomas Quail's groups at EMBL in Heidelberg.

Qualifications

A PhD in medical science or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a PhD in medical science. The degree must be completed by the time the employment begins. Primarily, candidates who have obtained their degree within the last three years should be considered. When calculating the future three years, the starting point is the last application date. If there are special reasons, such a degree may have been obtained earlier.

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to have documented experience in protein analysis and membrane biophysics. Documented expertise in biophysics and molecular biology, including protein design and production in bacteria, as well as electron microscopy, is of great importance.

Desirable/meritorious qualifications

Documented experience in the use of membrane mimetics and vesicles is meritorious. Experience with computer-assisted analysis such as simulations and machine learning is a plus. Great emphasis is placed on personal interaction and willingness to work in a team, as well as excellent proficiency in English.

About the Position

The position is temporary for two years with the possibility of extension for one year according to central collective agreements. The scope is full-time. Start date by agreement. Location: Uppsala.

For inquiries about the position, please contact: Michael Landreh, Lecturer in Molecular Biophysics, michael.landreh@icm.uu.se (mailto:michael.landreh@icm.uu.se) Tel. +46-76-2925929

Welcome with your application by April 4, 2025, UFV-PA 2025/837.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the most exciting workplaces in the country.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/ (https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/)

The position may be subject to security clearance. A prerequisite for employment in the case of security clearance is that the applicant is approved.

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Applications are accepted in Uppsala University's recruitment system.