Postdoctoral Fellow in High-throughput Biophysics

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab is a national center for molecular biosciences with focus on health and environmental research. The center combines frontline technical expertise with advanced knowledge of translational medicine and molecular bioscience. SciLifeLab is a national resource hosted by Karolinska Institutet, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center also collaborates with several other universities.

The employment will be placed at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, at Stockholm university. More information about us, please visit: www.dbb.su.se

Project description

Postdoctoral positions are available in the research lab of Emil Marklund, based at SciLifeLab campus Solna in Stockholm. In the Marklund lab (marklundlab.com), we investigate how sequence information in biological macromolecules governs recognition, binding, and dynamical structure. We combine high-throughput measurements of molecular binding with simulations and quantitative modeling to gain a physical understanding of life at the molecular level.

We are recruiting Postdocs that wants to use and develop state of the art methods for studying binding and dynamical structure of DNA, RNA and proteins. Scientific questions in projects can involve, for example, studying specificity in transcription factor - DNA binding, detecting protein - protein interactions or enzyme optimization.

Main responsibilities

The successful candidate will use and develop methods within one, or preferably multiple, of the following categories:

• Sequence library design, molecular cloning and protein purification: Designing and preparing molecular sequence variants for which binding are to be studied in high-throughput. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Molecular biology, protein engineering, biochemistry.
• Optical engineering, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis: Development of microscopes and data analysis pipelines used to acquire and quantify high-throughput binding data. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Optical engineering, hardware-software integration, image analysis.
• Building quantitative models: Using high-throughput binding data to build sequence dependent predictive deep learning models, and physical mechanistic models (thermodynamic and kinetic models etc.). Examples of suitable backgrounds: machine learning, programming, mathematics, physics.

You will participate in designing the project according to the overarching goals of the lab and you will be responsible for the implementation. We are an interdisciplinary lab and you will be encouraged to collaborate with other researchers in the team.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills within the categories listed above, where special attention will be given to skills in biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, optical engineering and deep learning. 

We would also like that you have these qualifications:

• A curious and driven personality with a passion for basic research and/or method        development.
• Good ability to work in a team.
• Strong publication record or other evidence of scientific ability and maturity.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Experience in tackling complex scientific problems or method development in at least one of the categories mentioned above.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Assistant Professor Emil Marklund, emil.marklund@scilifelab.se.

Application

Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.