Postdoctoral position in single-molecule characterization of artificial protein motors

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 46 000 students and more than 8 000 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.

Description of the workplace

The position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research Centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology.

A significant part of the research at the division is in the area of nano-biotechnology. The department hosts the ERC Synergy Grant ArtMotor (PI Heiner Linke), which aims at designing and building functional, synthetic protein motors, and to detect their movements along a DNA-track. The aim is to construct, step by step, an autonomous protein motor capable of transducing chemical energy to move along a track.

Responsible for the position are Prof. Heiner Linke at the division of solid state physics and Assoc. Prof. Peter Jönsson at the division of physical chemistry, both at Lund University. Heiner Linke has long-term experience in the development of molecular motors and is a PI in the ERC Synergy ArtMotor project. Peter Jönsson is an expert in high-resolution fluorescence microscopy and single molecule studies.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se, www.nano.lu.se/heiner-linke, https://www.physchem.lu.se/people/seniors/joensson/, https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/951375

We offer

You will be included in a team of researchers at NanoLund, a highly visible nanoscience center that offers excellent career development, an open and inclusive research environment with an active community of PhD students and postdocs, and access to a wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities within characterization, nanofabrication and modelling.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Subject description

ArtMotor’s aim is to design, synthesize and characterise autonomous, artificial molecular motors based on proteins. The proteins will be developed and prepared by the collaboration partners Birte Höcker (University of Bayreuth, Germany) and Paul Curmi (UNSW, Sydney, Australia). Our role in the project is to support the design process, and to perform single-molecule experiments that show the protein motors motion.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. You will work closely together with a PhD student, giving you the opportunity to gain advising experience. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development. 

Thus, the project´s research tasks are to:

1. Develop fluorescence-based methods to detect individual steps of motors at nanometer-precision. 
2. Use this to optimize and characterize the motor while it moves along a defined DNA track.

Methods may include bioanalytical and biochemical methods, fluorescence microscopy, TIRF, microfluidics, surface modification, nanofabrication and image analysis. 

The postdoctoral project will also be done in close collaboration with the other ArtMotor partners Birte Höcker (University of Bayreuth, Germany) and Paul Curmi (UNSW, Sydney, Australia). Research visits to one or both of the collaborator’s groups can be part of the project. 

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. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Substantial experience with fluorescence microscopy.

Assessment criteria

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.

Other qualifications
Experience of working with:

• Single-molecule fluorescence microscopy
• Quantitative analysis of single-molecule data
• Image analysis
• Methods from biochemistry or molecular biology for studies of single proteins or nucleotides
• Lipid bilayers or colloidal chemistry
• Nanostructured surfaces
• DNA nanotechnology

Consideration will also be given to 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.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment 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”).

How to apply

The application must be written in English and contain a letter in which you briefly describe yourself and your research interests, including contributions to the described research project. The application must also contain a CV, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate, a list of at least two references with contact details, copies of grades and other documents that you wish to refer to.

Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.  

Welcome with your application!

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 350 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment By agreement
Salary Monthly salary
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Lund
County Skåne län
Country Sweden
Reference number PA2023/310
Contact
Heiner Linke, Professor, heiner.linke@ftf.lth.se, +46462224245
Gerda Rentschler, Grant Manager , gerda.rentschler@ftf.lth.se
Union representative
OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362
SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, kansli@saco-s.lu.se
SEKO: Seko Civil, 046-2229366
Published 16.Feb.2023
Last application date 23.Mar.2023 11:59 PM CET
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