Researcher in Molecular Biophysics Published: 2023-01-11 Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion. The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is organized into seven research programmes which all focus on different areas of cell and molecular biology: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology and Structural Biology. The scientific basis of what we do lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other areas such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering sciences and physics. In total, we are over 200 staff and ~60 Ph.D. students. Please read more about the department’s work at https://icm.uu.se. Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University. The current position is located within the research group of Filipe Maia within the Molecular Biophysics. More information can be found at https://biox.io/ and https://lmb.icm.uu.se. Project description: Detecting the atomic structure of biomolecules is the basis for understanding biological function at the molecular level. This knowledge has led to enormous scientific advances, important drugs, and disruptive technologies. Structural methods exist, but many biomolecules have escaped structure determination; structural changes due to interactions cannot be easily characterized, and enzymatic mechanisms are hard to detect due to an insufficient time-resolution. The project will develop fluctuation correlation X-ray scattering (FXS) with powerful X-ray free-electron lasers (XFEL), capable of producing extremely intense and ultra-short X-ray pulses radiation, which promises to determine the structure of biomolecules in biologically native conditions with light-triggered pump/probe experiments. The method is a natural extension of traditional small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It has been demonstrated in 1977 by Kam for macroscopic objects based on scattering by visible light. Recent reports indicate that it is in principle possible to determine the structure of proteins in solution with FXS. If successful, this project will establish FXS as a new method for structure determination of biomolecules in native, ‘biological‘, conditions. Duties The applicant is expected to drive multiple ambitious projects within the area. The position involves carrying out FXS experiments on biological samples at leading XFELs along with all the associated preparation and analysis of the resulting data. The project aims to build up a new experimental setup, the position therefore also involves work on designing and developing this new setup. Oral presentation and writing/editing of scientific papers and grant applications are part of the position. Requirements We are looking for highly-motivated applicants with a PhD degree in a physics, biophysics or similar. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and to have a strong interest in coherent X-ray imaging and method development. In addition, the candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. The position is in an international context so good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability such as; analytical and organizational skills, personal maturity, ability to work with others, take initiatives, and to show good judgement. Documented experience with X-ray experiments at XFELs. Documented experience with 3D printed nozzles for ultrathin liquid sheets. Additional qualifications Documented experience with fluctuation X-ray scattering (FXS) is an advantage. About the employment The employment is a permanent position, probationary period may be applied. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala For further information about the position, please contact: Filipe Maia, 0704250171, filipe.maia@icm.uu.se Please submit your application by 15 February 2023, UFV-PA 2023/77. Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden. Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system. Placement: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology Type of employment: Full time , Permanent position Pay: Individual salary Number of positions: 1 Working hours: 100% Town: Uppsala County: Uppsala län Country: Sweden Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/77 Last application date: 2023-02-15 Apply for position If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Bioloxy

Researcher in Molecular Biophysics

Published: 2023-01-11

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is organized into seven research programmes which all focus on different areas of cell and molecular biology: Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Microbiology and Immunology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Biophysics, Molecular Evolution, Molecular Systems Biology and Structural Biology. The scientific basis of what we do lies in biology, but our research overlaps with other areas such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering sciences and physics. In total, we are over 200 staff and ~60 Ph.D. students. Please read more about the department’s work at https://icm.uu.se.

The current position is located within the research group of Filipe Maia within the Molecular Biophysics. More information can be found at https://biox.io/ and https://lmb.icm.uu.se.

Project description: Detecting the atomic structure of biomolecules is the basis for understanding biological function at the molecular level. This knowledge has led to enormous scientific advances, important drugs, and disruptive technologies. Structural methods exist, but many biomolecules have escaped structure determination; structural changes due to interactions cannot be easily characterized, and enzymatic mechanisms are hard to detect due to an insufficient time-resolution.

The project will develop fluctuation correlation X-ray scattering (FXS) with powerful X-ray free-electron lasers (XFEL), capable of producing extremely intense and ultra-short X-ray pulses radiation, which promises to determine the structure of biomolecules in biologically native conditions with light-triggered pump/probe experiments. The method is a natural extension of traditional small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). It has been demonstrated in 1977 by Kam for macroscopic objects based on scattering by visible light. Recent reports indicate that it is in principle possible to determine the structure of proteins in solution with FXS. If successful, this project will establish FXS as a new method for structure determination of biomolecules in native, ‘biological‘, conditions.

Duties
The applicant is expected to drive multiple ambitious projects within the area. The position involves carrying out FXS experiments on biological samples at leading XFELs along with all the associated preparation and analysis of the resulting data. The project aims to build up a new experimental setup, the position therefore also involves work on designing and developing this new setup.

Oral presentation and writing/editing of scientific papers and grant applications are part of the position.

Requirements
We are looking for highly-motivated applicants with a PhD degree in a physics, biophysics or similar. The candidate is expected to be able to work independently and to have a strong interest in coherent X-ray imaging and method development. In addition, the candidate is expected to take own initiatives as well as to collaborate with colleagues both within and outside of the research group. The position is in an international context so good oral and written communication skills in English are essential. Finally, significant weight will be given to personal suitability such as; analytical and organizational skills, personal maturity, ability to work with others, take initiatives, and to show good judgement.

Documented experience with X-ray experiments at XFELs.
Documented experience with 3D printed nozzles for ultrathin liquid sheets.

Additional qualifications

Documented experience with fluctuation X-ray scattering (FXS) is an advantage.

About the employment
The employment is a permanent position, probationary period may be applied. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Filipe Maia, 0704250171, filipe.maia@icm.uu.se

Please submit your application by 15 February 2023, UFV-PA 2023/77.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Cell and Molecular Biology

Type of employment: Full time , Permanent position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län