Postdoctoral position in Molecular Biophysics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

with focus on sample delivery and characterization for X-ray free-electron lasers

This position is located at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology starting as soon as possible. The Cell and Molecular Biology department at Uppsala University has a strong and international research and teaching environment and is organized in six major research programs; Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Microbiology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology, Structure and Molecular Biology. In total the department has over 200 scientists, including 60 PhD students. www.icm.uu.se

The current position is located within the research group of Filipe Maia within the Molecular Biophysics. More information can be found at https://biox.io/ and https://lmb.icm.uu.se

Project description
Significant changes are taking place in photon science through the development of powerful X-ray lasers, capable of producing extremely intense and ultra-short X-ray pulses (https://lmb.icm.uu.se). These are the most brilliant sources of X-rays to date, exceeding the peak brilliance of conventional synchrotrons by a factor of 10 billion. Our aim is to study structural heterogeneity in biology and to observe the conformational landscape of complex proteins for the first time. Theory predicts that with an ultra-short and extremely bright coherent X-ray pulse, a single diffraction pattern may be recorded from a large macromolecule before the sample explodes and turns into a plasma, something we have successfully demonstrated for viruses and living cells. Many proteins are dynamic structures that fluctuate between conformational states and these transitions are key to its function. Given the ultra-short pulse length and high data-rate of free-electron lasers, collected data could give access to the conformational states and thus be used to study protein dynamics at a very high time resolution. Sample delivery is critical to the success of this experiment. The project will focus on characterizing and improving the reliability and size range of electrospray sample delivery for X-ray diffraction imaging experiments. Such developments will pave the way to the analysis of from single proteins data using established 3D reconstruction methods.

Duties
The applicant is expected to drive multiple ambitious projects within the area. The position involves characterization of electrospray sample delivery, using laser scattering, and its development for use at X-ray free-electron laser facilities. The project aims to build up a new experimental setup, the position therefore also involves work on designing and developing this new setup. Oral presentation and writing/editing of scientific papers and grant applications are part of the position. Teaching (up to 20%) can become included depending on the needs of the microbiology program.

Qualifications
We are looking for highly-motivated applicants with a PhD degree in a physics, biophysics or similar. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and to have a strong interest in X-ray diffraction and sample delivery. In addition, the candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. The position is in an international context so good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability such as; analytical and organizational skills, personal maturity, ability to work with others, take initiatives, and to show good judgement.

To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Merits
Documented experience with any of the following:

• high-power optical lasers is an advantage.
• electrospray is an advantage.
• vacuum equipment is an advantage.
• X-ray experiments is an advantage.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Application
Please submit your application including:

1) CV

2) a letter describing your research interests, skills and motivation to apply for the position (max 2 pages)

3) diplomas

4) list of publications  

5) up to three reference letters.

Salary: Individual salary.
 
Starting date: As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Filipe Maia, +46 70 425 0171, filipe.maia@icm.uu.se, för administrative questions contract Hr-generalist Frida (Nilsson) Österdahl, tel. 018-471 4416, e-mail frida.nilsson@icm.uu.se

Please submit your application by May 31st 2019, UFV-PA 2019/1360.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.