Postdoctoral Fellow In Development Of Fiducial Markers For Cryo-Em

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments; the Department of Infectious Diseases, the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, the Department of Laboratory Medicine.

At present, the institute has about 340 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.

We are currently seeking a highly talented, innovative and results-driven person for a postdoctoral position in development of novel fiducial markers for structure determination of small membrane proteins in the Johansson laboratory at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine at the Göteborg University, Sweden.

Development of novel fiducial markers for structure determination of small membrane proteins

Membrane proteins such as transporters and G-protein-coupled receptors (or GPCRs) are very important targets for drug development, and structure determination of these is a prerequisite for being able to develop new, more effective substances. Despite the recent development of methods in cryo-EM, structures of small membrane proteins remain difficult to determine using cryo-EM structure since they often lack endogenous fiducial markers. Part of our research therefore aims to develop such fiducial markers to accelerate structure determination of these important proteins.

The research will focus on the design of novel fiducial markers for structure determination of small membrane proteins. Duties include protein design and modeling, cloning, expression in insect and mammalian cells, and purification followed by structure determination with cryo-EM and subsequent analysis. The candidate is encouraged and expected to work independently and contribute to project planning. The candidate is also expected to travel, both within and outside Europe for data collection at various research stations. The candidate is also expected to contribute to the laboratory's other work, as well as, if necessary, supervise students at both master's and doctoral level.

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg.

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made.

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

We are looking for a candidate with an interest in protein design and structural biology. The applicants must have a PhD in a relevant area of research such as medicine/biology/chemistry/pharmacology or related fields (for example structural biology, biochemistry or biophysics). The successful candidate should have extensive experience in structural biology (preferably cryo-EM), along with experience in cell cultivation (preferably eukaryotic cells), as well as in protein purification. Great emphasis will be placed on the candidate's personal suitability for the position and interest in the subject area as well as their long-term research goals. The work involves close collaborations with other researchers and thus demands flexibility and a willingness to travel for data collection purposes. Excellent communication skills (spoken and written) in English are a prerequisite for the position.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

Help for applicants

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Linda Johansson; email: [email protected] ; telephone: +46(0)766183244.

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https: // www. gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande

Application

Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline.

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

Applications must be received by: 2024-02-20

Information for International Applicants

Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https: // www. gu.se/en/about-the-university/welcome-services https: // www. movetogothenburg.com/

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden's regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.