Post - doctoral Fellow In Protein Design

Post-doctoral Fellow In Protein Design

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The university has around 47,000 students and more than 8,800 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Subject Description

The postdoctoral fellow will join a project focused on developing protein-based electronic components, with the ultimate goal of enabling in-cell production of semiconductor components. This specific postdoctoral project aims to develop methods for designing 2D protein lattices that serve as scaffolds for attaching other protein assemblies with precise geometry, thereby creating molecular structures capable of transferring electrons and interacting with light. Such assemblies also have applications in biomedicine. The primary objective is to develop computational methods, using deep learning–based protein design, for the successful design of 2D lattices. These methods will then be applied to generate designs targeted for experimental evaluation.

Work Duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Method development in AI-driven protein design
• Production of designed sequences targeted for experimental testing
• Collaboration with PhD student responsible for experimental testing
• If there is interest, some experimental testing may be carried out
• Participating in project meetings and summarizing of results
• Keeping track of developments in the protein design field

Qualification Requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Ability to drive and independently progress the project
• Strong computational skills with considerable experience with programming with python.
• Significant experience of developing deep learning methods using computational frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow etc.
• Experience of working with molecular questions in the biosciences
• An interest and dedication to working in a collaborative project

Assessment Criteria And Other Qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Experience of protein design is considered a merit
• The postdoctoral fellow could, if they are interested, contribute to experimental testing of designs. If that is of interest, some laboratory background is considered meritous.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant's experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms Of Employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement "Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor" ("Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow") between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

Instructions On How To Apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.