Postdoctoral Fellow in Structural Biology and Structure-based drug design

at the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Closing date: 16 February2023.

The Department is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Some 300 people of which about 70 are PhD students work at the Department, engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

Project description
The Stenmark group has two main areas of research; the study of novel cancer targets in human nucleotide metabolism, and the study of Botulinum neurotoxins and their receptors. These projects are parts of large interdisciplinary research collaborations, with the goal to develop new therapeutics and take them all the way to clinical trials. This ambitious goal depends on the joint efforts of several research groups, spanning all the way from basic science to the clinic. We use structure-based drug design, fragment-based drug discovery and protein engineering. 

We now have an opening for a postdoc with expertise in macromolecular crystallography. The successful applicant will join a talented international team to take on challenging tasks in a stimulating environment. The successful candidate will be involved in providing experimental support to multiple high-profile studies investigating human enzymes involved in nucleotide metabolism, and are the targets of structure-based drug design programs (for example Michel et al. Science 2022 and Bonagas et al. Nature Cancer 2022). Our group has access to state-of-the-art resources for X-ray crystallography and cryo-EM.

For a complete list of the Stenmark labs publications see:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=stenmark+p.

Main responsibilities
The position involves research in structural biolgy and structure-based drug design (both small molecules and protein drugs), mainly using X-ray crystallography (and cryo-EM). Experience in protein purification, biochemistry and biophysics will be an advantage. Anlysing data and writing papers will also be central parts of the work.

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 and especially to experience with structural biology and macromolecular crystallography. Knowledge of Linux-based systems is required and knowledge of python scripting will be an advantage. 

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in structural biology, biochemistry, or a related field, with a proven track record in macromolecular crystallography. Knowledge of Linux-based systems and python scripting will be an advantage. Experience in protein purification, biochemistry and biophysics will be an advantage. 

Fluency in English, both written and spoken and an ability to work in close collaborations, as well as individually, will be expected.

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 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, Professor Pål Stenmark, pal.stenmark@dbb.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), 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!

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