Postdoctoral position in Molecular Biophysics with a focus on ultrafast imaging with X-ray lasers

Postdoctoral position in Molecular Biophysics with a focus on ultrafast imaging with X-ray lasers

Are you interested in working with ultrafast imaging of biological samples with X-ray lasers, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in a sustainable workforce and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University.

Uppsala University has a long tradition of successful research – among its alumni are 16 Nobel Prize laureates, including, most recently, Svante Pääbo. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is one of the most international, broad and distinguished molecular bioscience departments in Europe. The department comprises seven research programs with about 200 employees. 

The Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics at the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology promotes research and discoveries at the frontiers of photon science by exploring and exploiting photon-material interactions on short time scales, at high photon frequencies. It produced the scientific case in imaging for the construction of the first X-ray free-electron laser, the LCLS. It also includes groups with expertise in broad range of areas such as single-molecule microscopy, mass spectrometry, cryogenic electron microscopy and crystallography.

The Laboratory maintains robust international connections through an extensive network of esteemed collaborators spanning the globe. Notable partnerships include the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, University of Oxford, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, National University of Singapore, University of Hamburg, and Arizona State University. As part of our commitment to providing a well-rounded and globally-oriented education, we encourage and facilitate opportunities for all postdoctoral fellows to gain valuable international experience during their research.

The position is located in the research group of Filipe Maia, head of the laboratory. 

Duties
Conformational dynamics are crucial for the functioning of most macromolecules and a deeper understanding of these motions holds great promise for future discoveries in biology. But it is difficult to probe the structure of macromolecules away from their most stable conformations, and time-resolved studies remain limited by the available techniques. Since the first X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) were proposed, the idea of obtaining images of individual proteins frozen in time has fascinated and inspired many, and we have been at the forefront of this quest. The combination of advances in XFEL technology with new instrumentation has brought the dream of imaging hydrated single proteins by X-ray diffraction within reach.

The overall aim of this project is to develop the science and technology to help make ultrafast single-protein imaging a reality, by (a) developing diagnostics suitable for nanosized samples, (b) design and build new sample delivery instrumentation to enable single protein X-ray diffraction experiments, (c) perform and analyse time-resolved single protein imaging experiments. The project combines experimental with computational work. This is a truly interdisciplinary research area that brings together physics, biology and data science.

Requirements
PhD degree in physics, biophysics or similar degrees determined by the employer or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in physics or biophysics. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

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 be highly motivated and take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. A prerequisite for the position is that you have participated in time-resolved experiments at XFELs and have experience analysing the resulting data. 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.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. The position may include teaching and supervision up to 20%. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Filipe Maia, filipe.maia@icm.uu.se, +46 70 425 0171 

Please submit your application by 14th of February 2025, UFV-PA 2025/287.

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