Postdoctoral Researcher position in High-throughput Biophysics

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. SciLifeLab ( SciLifeLab ) is a national center for molecular biosciences with a focus on research in health and the environment. The center combines leading technical expertise with advanced knowledge in translational medicine and molecular biosciences. SciLifelab is a national resource run by Karolinska Institutet, KTH, Stockholm University and Uppsala University. The center collaborates with several other universities. 

Administratively, the position will be located at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University. For more information about our operations, see our website: www.dbb.su.se

Project description

A postdoctoral position is available in Emil Marklund’s research lab, housed at the SciLifeLab campus Solna in Stockholm. In the Marklund lab ( marklundlab.com ), we investigate how the sequence of biological macromolecules governs recognition, binding, and dynamic 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 now recruiting a postdoctoral fellow who wants to use and develop state-of-the-art methods to study the binding and dynamic structure of DNA, RNA and proteins. Scientific questions in projects may include, for example, studying specificity in transcription factor – DNA binding, discovering protein – protein interactions, or enzyme optimization.

Job duties

The selected candidate will use and develop methods within one, or more, of the following categories:

• Optical engineering, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis : Development of microscopes, fluidics and data analysis pipelines used to measure and quantify binding in high-throughput. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Optical engineering, hardware-software integration, image analysis.
• Sequence library design, molecular cloning and protein purification: Design and prepare molecular sequence variants for which binding is to be studied in high-throughput. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Molecular biology, protein engineering, biochemistry.
• 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 overall goals of the lab and you will be responsible for its implementation. We are an interdisciplinary lab and you will be encouraged to collaborate with other researchers in the team.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for employment as a postdoctoral researcher, a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent to the relevant doctoral degree is required. The degree must be completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered meritorious if the doctoral degree or equivalent has been completed no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, a previously completed degree may also be considered meritorious. Special reasons refer to leave due to illness, parental leave, positions of trust in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.

When making the appointment, special emphasis will be placed on scientific proficiency within the categories listed above, with particular emphasis on proficiency in biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, optical engineering and deep machine learning.

We would also like you to have these qualities:

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

About the employment

The position is full-time and valid until further notice, but for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension if there are special reasons. Access by agreement.

We offer

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

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace that is free from discrimination and provides equal rights and opportunities for everyone.

Contact

Information about the position is provided by Assistant Professor Emil Marklund, emil.marklund@scilifelab.se .

Application

You apply for the position via Stockholm University’s recruitment system. Attach a cover letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. As the applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete and that it reaches the university by the application deadline.

Instructions for applicants can be found on the website: applying for a job .

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