Postdoctoral Fellow in Biochemistry 

at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Closing date: 10 October 2023.

SciLifeLab (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 and 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.

Project description
1-2 fully funded postdoctoral positions are available in the research lab of Emil Marklund, based at SciLifeLab campus Solna in Stockholm. In the Marklund lab, we investigate how sequence information in biological macromolecules governs recognition, binding, and dynamical 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 recruiting 1-2 Postdocs that want to use and develop state of the art methods for studying binding and dynamical structure of DNA, RNA and proteins. Scientific questions in projects can involve, for example, studying specificity in transcription factor - DNA binding, or detecting protein - protein interactions.

Main responsibilities
The successful candidate will use and develop methods within one, or preferably multiple, of the following categories:

• Sequence library design, molecular cloning and protein purification:
  Design and preparation of molecular sequence variants for which binding are to be studied in high-throughput. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Molecular biology, protein engineering, biochemistry.
• Optical engineering, fluorescence microscopy, image analysis:
  Development of microscopes and data analysis pipelines used to acquire and quantify high-throughput binding data. Examples of suitable backgrounds: Optical engineering, hardware-software integration, image analysis.
• 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: Deep learning, programming, mathematics, physics.

You will participate in designing the project according to the overarching goals of the lab and you will be responsible for the implementation. We are an interdisciplinary lab and you will be encouraged to collaborate with other researchers in the team.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons 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 within the categories listed above, where special attention will be given to skills in biophysics, molecular biology, biochemistry, optical engineering and deep learning.

We would also like that you have these 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 in tackling complex scientific problems or method development in at least one of the categories mentioned above.

Terms of 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 2023-12-01 or as per agreement.

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 Assistant Professor Emil Marklund, emil.marklund@dbb.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. 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.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.