Researcher in Molecular Biophysics with focus on sample delivery and characterization for X-ray free-electron lasers - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 and Immunology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology, Structure and Molecular Biology. In total the department has over 200 scientists, including 60 PhD students.

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. The candidate must have at least 2 years of documented experience with electrospray, vacuum equipment and high-power optical lasers. 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.

Merits: Documented experience with X-ray free-electron laser experiments is an advantage.

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: 01-10-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position of 24 months.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact: Filipe Maia, filipe.maia@icm.uu.se.

Please submit your application by June 17 2021, UFV-PA 2021/2257.

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