First research engineer In physical virology - ,

Description 

We are looking for a senior research engineer to the Department of clinical microbiology who will be working in the group of Marta Bally and support the research activities of the group in the context of studying virus-membrane interactions. You will primarily contribute with expertise in atomic fore microscopy (imaging, nanomechanical measurements and single molecule force spectroscopy) and assist a number of projects requiring this method, at the department and at Umeå University in general (through the Biochemical Imaging Centre Umeå). In addition, you will be in charge of projects aiming at investigating the effect of multivalency on the characteristics of virus binding, and will perform different types of biophysics and virology assays in this context.

We offer an international, stimulating collaboration-oriented research environment, where your scientific development is promoted. Permanent employment starting according to agreement.
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The project 

Carbohydrates, in particular sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans play a key role in mediating the initial recruitment and accumulation of viruses at the cell surface. Virus-membrane interactions need to be tightly modulated and regulated to ensure an optimal attachment and diffusion of the virus at the cell surface, towards efficient entry. The aim of this project is to gain fundamental understanding on how the characteristics of different types of carbohydrates at the cell surface contribute to modulating the initial interaction of a variety of glycan-binding viruses at the cell surface. Your studies will primarily rely on a comprehensive biophysical approach combining AFM-based force spectroscopy, single virus particle tracking by fluorescence microscopy and reductionistic models of the glycocalyx.

Work tasks

With this position, you will lead and develop the project 

• You will plan and perform experiments, interpret results, and put these in a scientific context. 
• You will present and discuss your research with other researchers within and outside the group, on national and international meetings. 
• You are engaged in drafting and submission of manuscripts. 
• You will participate actively in seminars and journal clubs and take courses to develop your knowledge and career. 
• You will also supervise students on master level and participate in teaching on other levels. 
• You will act in agreement with the university’s policy for equal opportunities and data protection.
• In addition, you will support ongoing research activities in the group, at the department and beyond, with helping researchers, in the context of carrying out AFM-based experiments, both in the context of imaging or force spectroscopy as well as in the context of TIRF-based imaging.

Qualifications. 

• PhD in (Bio)physics or related discipline
• Extensive postdoc experience working at the interface between physics and biology.
• Extensive hand-on experience with atomic force microscopy (both imaging and force spectroscopy), including data analysis.
• Fluorescence microscopy, including single particle tracking and TIRF microscopy
• Documented analysis in analysis of single particle tracking data both for diffusion experiments and in the context of determining virus binding kinetics.
• Documented experience working with MATLAB for data analysis.
• Analysis of biomolecular experiences with surface-sensitive techniques (surface plasmon resonance, quartz crystal microbalance) , including surface-based chemistry protocols for sensor modification.
• The preparation and characterization of cell-surface mimics, including surface immobilization of carbohydrates and working with supported lipid membranes.
• The applicant should further demonstrate excellent communication skills in English, both in oral and written form.
• You should have documented supervision of students on the undergraduate level and be able to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
• An excellent understanding of the potential and principle of biophysical tools to probe virus-membrane interactions is an additional merit.

The application must contain:

• A personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you want to develop it (maximum 1 A4 page).
• A CV detailing academic education and previous employment.
• Your publication list.
• A copy of the doctorate and other relevant diplomas.
• Names and contact information with email addresses of two or three academic references.
• Other relevant documentation that you wish to include in support of your application.
• The application must be written in English.

Conditions:

First research engineer in virology, TV.
Access by agreement.
Applications are made in the Varbi system, application deadline 230907

Information:

For further information on this project, please contact
Marta Bally:  marta.bally@umu.se

Welcome with your application!