Up to 2 Researchers in Computational Biochemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry – BMC is located at the Uppsala Biomedical Centre campus. It belongs to the Faculty of Science and Technology and conducts research in biochemistry, organic chemistry and analytical chemistry. The research is focused on catalysis, molecular recognition, structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems, and relationships between the presence of biomolecules and synthetic chemical compounds with various disease states. The creative and research-intense environment contributes to a broad knowledge-base as well as cutting-edge expertise.

The Kamerlin group seeks up to two researchers to join our team. We are an international and interdisciplinary team of dedicated scientists who come from different backgrounds to study biochemical problems such as enzyme evolution, and structure-function-dynamics relationships in biomolecular systems, as well as fundamental problems in physical organic chemistry, using a range of advanced computational tools. Where relevant to solving problems of interest to us, we also engage in methodology development. These positions are funded by a range of sources including the Swedish Research Council and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The focus of the work will be on using computational tools to understand and guide the evolution of new enzyme functions, with a particular focus on biocatalytic applications. More details about our team, and our research interests, can be found on the lab website: http://www.kamerlinlab.com.

Duties
Full time research and mentorship of junior researchers. The position will also include international travel to conferences and meetings with collaborators. From a scientific perspective, this position will involve computational integration of simulation and experimental data using a range of molecular simulation tools, including both standard and enhanced molecular dynamics simulations, empirical valence bond and QM/MM simulations, free energy calculations, as well as structural bioinformatics tools.

Requirements

To be eligible to apply for this position you must fulfill all the qualifications required below, and ideally possess one or more of the additional desirable skills.

Qualifications required:

• PhD in a STEM discipline with a strong background in computational chemistry and/or computational biology, with experience in one or more of the techniques used in the Kamerlin lab (see Duties, above).
• Either: (1) experience in modeling enzyme reaction mechanisms and/or enzyme function-dynamics relationships, in particular in the context of understanding enzyme evolution or for biocatalytic applications, or (2) experience in using enhanced sampling approaches (such as replica exchange or metadynamics) to study biomolecular systems, with particular preference given to studies of the role of conformational dynamics in enzyme engineering or evolution.
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, as well as publications of a high scientific standard (assessed according to the DORA principles, see https://sfdora.org/read/).
• Good collaborative skills, such as working with others or in a team.

Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills. In this case, we place particular weight on the ability to work as part of a team and a positive attitude towards mobility. The applicant will be responsible for a part of a larger project, and the ability to work independently and to take responsibility will be required.

Note that attention will be paid to not just overall scientific achievements, but scientific achievements relative to career stage and years of research experience.

All qualifying requirements will be assessed by interview, as well as personal references.

Additional qualifications

From a biocatalysis perspective, we are interested in modeling enzyme immobilization on surfaces, and therefore experience in relevant computational approaches to model this is considered desirable.

Experience in empirical valence bond simulations is also considered a meriting factor.

Application

The application must include a CV, full publication list, copies of diplomas and certificates, contact details of two references, and a personal letter including a short description of research interests. The application will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Appropriate education and work/research in related fields. Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills.

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.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position one year.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: Lynn Kamerlin (lynn.kamerlin@kemi.uu.se).

Please submit your application by 14 October 2019, UFV-PA 2019/2987.

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.