Postdoctoral position in Chemistry (NMR-based structural biology) - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

This postdoctoral position is part of a project where we investigate the structure of membrane-coupled proteins of the Bcl-2 family by using mainly solid-state NMR methods (complementary also neutron scattering approaches). The Bcl-2 family regulates how nature removes damaged, infected and redundant cells via a strictly controlled process, named programmed cell death (apoptosis).

The employment that is placed on the Department of Chemistry is full-time for a period of two years, starting at a date decided in agreement between the two parties.

Project description
This postdoctoral position is part of a research project where we will investigate the regulation of programmed cell death at the molecular level with focus on the structure of the proteins and biological membranes involved in this important process. Important key players in the mitochondrial (intrinsic) cell death pathway are membrane-active proteins of the Bcl-2 family. Family members with opposite functions meet at the outer membrane of mitochondria, where they determine the fate of a cell, namely to live or to die. The main objective of this project is to understand the function - and underlying structural properties - of these proteins and their interaction with the mitochondrial membrane environment. For this purpose we will use structural biological methods focusing on solid-state NMR spectroscopy of lipid-protein complexes. By applying advanced solid-state NMR approaches, we will be able to provide structural insight into the molecular mechanism by which the survival membrane protein Bcl-2 and its antagonist, the cell-killing Bax protein, interact with each other at the mitochondrial membrane and thereby determine the fate of the cell. In addition, we will also use neutron reflectometry on these lipid protein complexes. The Postdoc will primarily study the membrane bound Bcl-2 proteins. The Department of Chemistry offers access to an excellent research infrastructure within the KBC environment (www.kbc.umu.se) with access to solid phase/liquid 850 MHz NMR and neutron sources in Europe (mainly ESS/ISIS). The work will be carried out in a multidisciplinary environment. 

Qualifications
The required qualification is a doctoral degree or a foreign degree that is deemed equivalent to a doctorate in chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics or equivalent field. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application, unless special circumstances exist. Previous extensive experience of protein structure determination by solid-fast NMR is required and previous experience with membrane proteins is highly meriting. You shall have a keen interest in the area of NMR-based structural biology and be prepared to take on scientific and technological challenges. Training and/or experience in biochemistry, structural biology and/or biophysical chemistry, as well as neutron scattering on biological samples are a strong merit. You must be creative with good teamwork skills, be initiative-driven and have a high degree of independence. Good knowledge of English, both written and spoken, and a very good ability to write scientific publications is required.

Application
A complete application should contain the following documents:

• A cover letter including a description of your qualifications, research interests and motivation for applying, and your contact information (maximum 2 pages)
• A curriculum vitae, including a publication list
• Copies of your PhD thesis and relevant publications
• Copies of degree certificates or equivalent, including documentation of completed academic courses and obtained grades
• Name and contact information of at least two reference persons

The application can be written in Swedish or English. Applications must be submitted via our recruiting system. Log on and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. The last day to apply is 2018-08-31.

For more information please contact Professor Gerhard Gröbner, phone: +4690-7866346, email: gerhard.grobner@umu.se

About us
Department of Chemistry is the largest department in the Faculty of Science and Technology, with approximately 200 employees, including about 40 doctoral students, and with a strong and expanding research. Three major areas of research; Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry and Technical Chemistry, represents the research and chemistry education of our department. We are also a strong partner in KBC, The Chemical-Biological Centre. For more information about working at Umeå University, see: https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/