Postdoctoral Fellow in Biophysics of Protein Phase Separation - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. We are approximately 270 employees, that work at the Department, and are engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

More information about us, please visit: The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Project description

The position will be associated with the project “The Role of the Human Chaperone DNAJB6 in Regulation of Liquid-Liquid and Liquid-Solid Phase Transitions” supported by the Olle Engkvist Stiftelse.

Biomolecular condensates formed through liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) play key roles in the spatial organization of cellular processes. However, these dynamic assemblies can also undergo aberrant phase transitions that promote pathological protein aggregation associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Molecular chaperones are central components of cellular protein quality control systems, yet their roles in regulating protein phase behavior within biomolecular condensates remain poorly understood. This project aims to determine how the human chaperone DNAJB6 regulates such protein phase separation and phase transitions. DNAJB6 is a potent anti-amyloid chaperone known to suppress aggregation of several disease-related proteins. The project involves biophysical experimental work conducted in vitro, employing methods in protein biochemistry, advanced microscopy, and structural mass spectrometry to study the mechanisms by which molecular chaperones regulate protein phase behavior and aggregation.

The position will be based in the research group of Dr. Cagla Sahin, which studies intrinsically disordered proteins and phase separation using biochemical, biophysical and mass spectrometry-based approaches. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Nicklas Österlund. 

Main responsibilities

The position involves experimental research within the framework of the project described above.  The work will include recombinant protein expression and purification, protein engineering, microscopy-based assays to study LLPS, and structural mass spectrometry approaches (e.g. native ion mobility-mass spectrometry, hydrogen-deuterium exchange, crosslinking mass spectrometry) to investigate chaperone-client interactions in vitro.

The postdoctoral fellow will be responsible for designing and performing experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and communicating results through scientific publications and presentations at international conferences. The position also includes contributing to the research environment of the group and providing practical supervision of the laboratory activities of students and PhD candidates working on related projects.

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. Additional assessment criteria include:

• Experience with recombinant protein expression and purification
• Experience with biochemical and/or biophysical methods for protein characterization
• Experience working with mass spectrometry, and/or intrinsically disordered proteins and phase separation
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary and international research environment
• Good communication skills and proficiency in spoken and written English.

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 soon as possible,  or 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. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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 the group leader, Dr. Cagla Sahin, cagla.sahin@dbb.su.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.