Postdoctoral studies for method development in NMR (scholarship) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Do you want to study medical questions using NMR?

Possibly more than 50% of the human genome codes for non-coding RNA. These RNAs are ubiquitous among all life forms and the mechanisms how non-coding RNAs regulate these cellular functions are largely unknown.

Molecular Structural Biology

Our research group is interested in understanding how RNAs and nucleotide-based drugs adopt their structures in order to select specific functions and targets. We employ different biochemical and biophysical techniques (e.g. EMSA, NMR, UV melting experiments), to investigate the molecular mechanism of RNA function (Nature 2012, 2015 and 2020). These experiments are carried out on in-vitro samples and to allow a full comprehension of the cellular environment and how it influences the function, we have also started to study oligonucleotides in intact cells (e.g. microscopy and in-cell NMR). Our group has a strong background in NMR method development tailored to the biological question at hand (Angewandte 2016, Chemistry 2018, ChemBioChem 2019).

Duties

You will work on method development for evaluating RNA dynamics for in-vitro samples for liquid state NMR. You will interact highly with the group and the needs for this development and co-supervise PhD and master students on a day-to-day hands-on basis. In addition, the ideal person for this position could develop techniques to study oligonucleotides in their functional complexes and in intact cells (in-cell NMR). You will work on RNAs addressing biological questions studied in the lab. You will also work in a team together with other lab members and regularly present your research work in lab-meetings, seminars and at international conferences.

In addition, the responsibilities of the position will include some management and supervision of the daily operation of the NMR spectrometer of the Petzold group.

Entry requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated, well organized, driven and enthusiastic person interested in our area of research, who is ready to explore new avenues in science. The candidate should have a high degree of independence but should also show a collaborative approach to research and be able to work productively in a team. Fluency in English is a requirement (written and oral).

To qualify, the applicant should have a demonstrated theoretical and practical background in NMR pulse sequence development on Bruker machines, especially for solution state NMR of biomolecules. Other areas of NMR knowledge (e.g. small molecules screening, in-cell NMR or solid state NMR/DNP) are of advantage but not required. Knowledge in programming of python, Mathematica and/or MATLAB is an important skill.

Scholarships for postdoctoral qualification can be established for foreign researchers who place their qualifications in Sweden. The purpose of scholarships for postdoctoral qualification is to promote internationalization and contribute to research qualification after a doctorate or equivalent. A scholarship for carrying out postdoctoral research can be granted for a maximum of two years within a four year period following the receipt of a doctoral degree or equivalent.

To be eligible for a postdoctoral scholarship, the person must have obtained a doctorate or a foreign degree deemed to be equivalent to a doctorate. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) start date of the post doctoral education.

The head of the department determines whether their previous training and scholarly qualifications correspond to a Swedish doctorate or higher.

Location: Biomedicum, Solna/Stockholm

Type of scholarship

The amount is tax free and it is set for twelve months at a time, paid out on a six months basis. In exceptional cases, shorter periods may be acceptable.

Application process

An application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• CV max. 3 pages,
• copies of degree certificate and associated certificates,
• complete publication list with links to degree project and any previous publications,
• a summary of current work (max. 1 page),
• verifications for crediting of illness, military service, work for labor unions or student organizations, parental leave or similar circumstances,
• a brief letter of motivation (max. ½ page),
• contact information of at least two references.

The position is for 12 months and extendable for an additional 12 months. The qualifications of the applicants will be evaluated on an overall basis. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and previous experience.

The application is to be submitted on the Varbi recruitment system.