Postdoctoral position to investigate the structural biology of membrane-protein complexes using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, announces a postdoctoral position for highly motivated individuals.

The position is for 2 years. Start date 1st of January 2020, or upon agreement.

Project description:

This project is focused on resolving the architecture of protein complexes associated with membrane vesicles using cryo-EM tomography. The research topics are:
1) structural assembly of caveolae coat-proteins and,
2) the ultrastructure of flavivirus replication complexes.

The overall goal is to understand how proteins assemble and interact with lipid membranes to shape vesicles and mediate specific cellular processes.
The work includes protein purification in mammalian systems, generation of model membranes and cellular model systems, sample preparation, cryo-EM and correlative light and electron microscopy, image analysis and structural modeling.
The successful applicant will also collaborate on project and method development at the recently established cryo-EM facility at UmU, which is part of the national infrastructure for cryo-EM.

Both the Umeå Core facility for Electron Microscopy (http://www.kbc.umu.se/english/ucem/), and the Biochemical Imaging Centre at Umeå University (http://www.kbc.umu.se/english/bicu/) as well as other UmU facilities will be accessible as part of this project.
The EM Facility was recently equipped with a new Titan Krios instrument with a phase plate and both Falcon 3 and K2 direct electron detectors.
A total of 6 electron microscopes, together with sample processing facilities, will form a key foundation for this project.

Qualifications:

Eligible to apply are individuals with a PhD in a relevant field, or equivalent scientific merits. Priority will be given to applicants who graduated within a maximum of 5 years prior to the application deadline.

Qualified applicants should have a documented experience in fields related to the project such as; protein and lipid biochemistry, cell biology, structural biology, electron microscopy, 3D visualization and image processing.
Strong computational skills are considered as an additional merit.
Candidates must be able to carry out independent scientific research work and to write scientific reports and manuscripts. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
In the selection process emphasis will also be placed on a genuine enthusiasm for the research area and methodology, personal suitability, organizational skills, and ability to work collaborative with other lab members, cryo-EM facility staff and users.

The application should include:

1) A brief cover letter (max. 1 page) containing personal contact details, summary of your research experience, your motivation for applying and your suitability for the position.

2) A CV including the contact details of at least two references.

3) List of publications

For further information about this position and the project area please contact:

Richard Lundmark, phone:+46 70 620 2464 (richard.lundmark@umu.se),

lundmark-lab.se