Postdoctor in structural nano chemistry/biology

Department of Molecular Sciences

Department of Molecular Sciences at SLU, has an open position for a postdoc in structural nano-chemistry and biology.

The department has ca. 110 employees, and together with four other departments it forms a highly inspiring research environment at the BioCenter on campus Ultuna in Uppsala. The department conducts research, teaching and environmental monitoring in the areas of inorganic, physical and organic chemistry, biochemistry, natural product chemistry, food science and microbiology. For further information about the department and its research activities carried out there visit us at: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/molecular-sciences/.

The planed research project for the announced position is devoted to revealing molecular mechanisms in interactions between small mineral (metal oxide) nanoparticles and proteins. The results from this is expected to provide principal theoretical insights in development of new nanotechnology approaches in biomedicine and agriculture. Complexation between nanoparticles and proteins will be visualized by various techniques such as electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy as well as by X-ray single crystal studies of complexes of inorganic and organic molecules in the solid state and by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in solution. The studies will in addition to structural characterization of the interacting between nanoparticles and protein molecules, also involve heterological expression of the target proteins as well as biochemical characterization and purification of those.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/en/about-slu/work-at-slu/

Duties:

The recruited postdoctoral fellow will work in a challenging, but very rewarding, research project with the goal of reaching a deeper molecular and structural understanding of the interaction between small mineral nanoparticles and proteins. The candidate is expected to be highly self-motivated, but will work in close contact and collaboration with other team members in the Inorganic Chemistry Group and the Structural Biology Group in the department.

Qualifications:

The candidates for the position should hold a doctoral degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Structure Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related subjects. The applicant should have a strong interest for and general expertise in molecular or supramolecular crystallography and in protein separation and purification. Experience in techniques applying and characterizing nanomaterials, especially transmission electron microscopy are of merit.

Research experience after receiving a doctoral degree (ca. 1-3 years) is preferred. The applicant shall have well-documented competence in structural studies of biological macromolecules either by X-ray crystallography or Cryo-EM. Experience with molecular biological methods and biophysical characterization of proteins is desired. Strong communication skills in oral and written English is a requirement.

Personal metaskills, in addition to technical proficiency and competence, including strong skills in collaboration, organization, responsibility and supervision of students and colleagues are of great importance. We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who is interested in pursuing academic research in the forefront of this research area, and we place great emphasis on the personal qualities of a suitable candidate for the position.

Place of work:

Uppsala

Form of employment:

Temporary employment 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Starting date:

According to agreement.

Application:

We welcome your application no later than 2023-09-13, use the button below.

Specific documents to be attached to the application: i) PhD certificate; ii) your current CV, including a list of publications; iii) a description of research experience and a statement of scientific interests (maximum 1 page); as well as vi) contact information of two references.

Academic union representatives:

https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden.

SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.