Postdoc position for the study of protein dynamics using XPCS at CoSAXS

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has 40 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.


MAX IV is a Swedish national large-scale research laboratory hosted by Lund University. It provides scientists from Sweden as well as internationally, with state-of-the-art instrumentation for research in areas such as engineering, physics, structural biology, chemistry and nanotechnology. Fully developed it will receive more than 2 000 scientists annually, conducting ground-breaking experiments in materials and life sciences using the brilliant X-ray light.



Two-year joint postdoc position for the study of protein dynamics using XPCS at CoSAXS / MAX IV Laboratory and the Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University

The Faculty of Science conducts research and education within Biology, Astronomy, Physics, Geosciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Environmental Sciences.

The Faculty is organized into ten departments, gathered in the northern campus area. The Faculty has approximately 1900 students, 330 PhD students and 700 employees.

The CoSAXS beamline is a state-of-the-art multipurpose Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) instrument and will use the inherent high coherent properties of the 3 GeV MAX IV ring through X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (XPCS) experiments. It offers high brilliance, monochromatic and tuneable X-rays, with outstanding performance in low beam divergence, high X-ray flux, and variable beam size in both directions in the full range of the sample-detector distances provided by the beamline (up to 17 m). The optical and mechanical design of the CoSAXS instrument has been carefully developed to preserve the wavefront and the entire coherent flux as much as possible. This high-performance X-ray beam is complemented by an exceptional pool of sample environments and detector systems. Several techniques are available through modular operation: time resolved SAXS, SAXS/WAXS, protein solution SAXS, microfocusing SAXS, anomalous X-ray scattering and X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). CoSAXS beamline is in commissioning at present and is expected to open to general users from Autumn 2020.

A group of researchers lead by Christian Gutt, University of Siegen, Germany, and Peter Schurtenberger, University of Lund, as national coordinators, have been awarded  a Röngten Ångström Cluster grant to investigate the dynamic properties of biomolecules in solution through the development of novel approaches that utilize the unique coherent properties of synchrotron and XFEL sources, combined with state-of-the-art neutron spectroscopy techniques. The two scientific themes are to explore the dynamics of proteins on the time scales from 10-7 to 102 seconds in (i) crowded environments and (ii) the phase transitions and formation of biomolecular condensates, by means of XPCS at synchrotron and XFEL sources. The goal, and the principle aim of this postdoc, is to implement these experiments at CoSAXS at MAX IV.

Tasks
In this exciting project, you will be at the forefront of expanding the application of XPCS exploiting the high coherence of the latest generation of synchrotron sources. The successful postdoc candidate will join the team at MAX IV and at the Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University. You will participate in the development of XPCS at CoSAXS for radiation sensitive samples, requiring, for example, the design, construction and commissioning of the experimental setup and appropriate sample environment, as well as the implementation of the analysis methods and tools and strategies to avoid/limit radiation damage.

You will collaborate with our expert partners in this large consortium, which brings together experts and researchers within Germany, Sweden and European synchrotron and XFEL large scale facilities to develop XPCS for biological samples. In particular you should have an interest in exploring protein dynamics within the scientific theme of this RÅC project.  You will frequently take part and present the project work at both internal and external meetings. You will help in the dissemination of the progress to potential user groups within Sweden and further afield. Travel for experiments within and outside Sweden may also be necessary. Some out of hours working will be necessary.

Qualifications
PhD in a relevant field, (within physical sciences (chemistry, physics) or structural biology).

Essential requirements:
- You should have practical experience of XPCS experiments at a synchrotron or XFEL or have expertise in the fundamentals of dynamics scattering.
- You should have hands-on experience of setting up complex experiments, for example, at a synchrotron beamline or laboratory-based scattering setup.
- You should have planned and coordinated experiments at a synchrotron or large scale facility.
- You should be fluent in the analysis methods and data interpretation tools for XPCS.
- Good communication skills and good command of written and spoken English.
- Good planning and organization skills.
- Ability to complete tasks autonomously and at your own initiative.

Additional requirements are considered assets:
- Basic knowledge of proteins and protein chemistry.
- Computer aided design experience (we use Solidworks).
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team and interact with a diverse group of scientists and technical staff in a dynamic environment.

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the doctoral degree or equivalent is completed no more than three years before the last date for applications. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

This is a 2 year temporary employment.

The project will be conducted at the University of Lund, Sweden, at MAX IV and at the Division of Physical Chemistry/Department of Chemistry.

On call services may apply in the future.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset. We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.


To apply, please click the button "Login and apply"