Postdoctoral Fellow in Biophysics

Stockholm University

Sweden

About the Department

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
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:
Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Project Description

A postdoctoral position is available in the research lab of Emil Marklund, based at SciLifeLab campus Solna in Stockholm.

In the Marklund lab, researchers investigate how sequence information in biological macromolecules governs recognition, binding, and dynamical structure. The lab combines high-throughput measurements of molecular binding with simulations and quantitative modeling to gain a physical understanding of life at the molecular level.

The lab is recruiting a Postdoc interested in using and developing state-of-the-art methods for studying binding and dynamical structure of DNA, RNA, and proteins.

Scientific questions in projects can involve:

Studying specificity in transcription factor–DNA binding
Detecting protein–protein interactions
Enzyme optimization

Main Responsibilities

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

Optical Engineering, Fluorescence Microscopy, and Image Analysis

Development of microscopes, fluidics, and data analysis pipelines used to acquire and quantify high-throughput binding data.

Examples of suitable backgrounds:

Optical engineering
Hardware-software integration
Image analysis

Sequence Library Design, Molecular Cloning, and Protein Purification

Designing and preparing 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
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 will be responsible for implementation. The lab is interdisciplinary, and collaboration with other researchers in the team is encouraged.

Qualification Requirements

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 equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline.

Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be advantageous. Special circumstances include:

Sick leave
Parental leave
Elected positions in trade unions
Service in total defense
Other similar circumstances
Clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area

Special attention will be given to research skills in:

Biophysics
Molecular biology
Biochemistry
Optical engineering
Deep learning

Additional desired 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 tackling complex scientific problems or method development in at least one of the categories listed above

About the Employment

Type of employment: Temporary position
Contract type: Full time
Duration: Minimum two years and maximum three years
Possibility of extension under special circumstances
Start date: As per agreement

We Offer

At Stockholm University, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that creates an exciting and creative environment.

The university offers: