Postdoc in Computational Biochemistry

Up to 2 Postdocs in Computational Biochemistry Uppsala University, Department of Chemistry - BMC

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our mission is to pursue top-quality research and education and to interact constructively with society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has 42,000 students, 7,000 employees and a turnover of SEK 6.7 billion.

The Department of Chemistry – BMC is located at the Uppsala Biomedical Centre campus. It belongs to the Faculty of Science and Technology and conducts research in biochemistry, organic chemistry and analytical chemistry. The research is focused on catalysis, molecular recognition, structure and dynamics of complex molecular systems, and relationships between the presence of biomolecules and synthetic chemical compounds with various disease states. The creative and research-intense environment contributes to a broad knowledge-base as well as cutting-edge expertise.

The Kamerlin group seeks up to two highly-motivated candidates with a strong background in computational chemistry and/or computational biology to fulfill two researcher positions in our team. We are an international and interdisciplinary team of dedicated scientists who come from different backgrounds to study biochemical problems such as enzyme evolution, and structure-function-dynamics relationships in biomolecular systems, as well as fundamental problems in physical organic chemistry, using a range of advanced computational tools. Examples of current systems / projects of interest include studying the role of loop dynamics in protein evolution, allosteric regulation of GTPases, protein-DNA recognition, and the design of new enzymes for water decontamination, plastics degradation and natural product synthesis. Where relevant to solving problems of interest to us, we also engage in methodology development. These positions are funded by a range of sources including the Swedish Research Council and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The work is centered on the use of computational tools to understand and guide the evolution of new enzyme functions, with a particular focus on biocatalytic applications. However, the focus of each project can be adjusted to fit the expertise of the successful candidate. More details about our team, and our research interests, can be found on the lab website: http://www.kamerlinlab.com.

Duties

Full time research and mentorship of junior researchers. The position will also include international travel to conferences and meetings with collaborators. From a scientific perspective, this position will involve computational integration of simulation and experimental data using a range of molecular simulation tools, including both conventional and enhanced molecular dynamics simulations, empirical valence bond and QM/MM simulations, free energy calculations, as well as structural bioinformaticstools. You are encouraged to take responsibility for the execution of your project and to contribute creatively to our team’s research program.

Requirements: To be eligible to apply for this position you must fulfill all the qualifications required below, and ideally possess one or more of the additional desirable skills.

Qualifications required:

• PhD in a STEM discipline with a strong background in computational chemistry and/or computational biology, with experience in one or more of the techniques used in the Kamerlin lab (see Duties, above).

Either: (1) experience in modeling enzyme reaction mechanisms and/or enzyme function-dynamics relationships, in particular in the context of understanding enzyme evolution or for biocatalytic applications, or (2) experience in using enhanced sampling approaches (such as replica exchange or metadynamics) to study biomolecular systems, with particular preference given to studies of the role of conformational dynamics in enzyme engineering or evolution.

• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English, as well as publications of a high scientific standard (assessed according to the DORA principles, see https://sfdora.org/read/).

• Good collaborative skills, such as working with others or in a team.

Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills. In this case, we place particular weight on the ability to work as part of a team and a positive attitude towards mobility. The applicant will be responsible for a part of a larger project, and the ability to work independently and to take responsibility will be required.

To be considered for the postdoctoral positions, you should have earned your PhD degree less than three years before the application deadline. Exceptions can be made for parental leave, military service etc.

Note that attention will be paid to not just overall scientific achievements, but scientific achievements relative to career stage and years of research experience.

All qualifying requirements will be assessed by interview, as well as personal references.

Additional Desirable Skills

We are interested in computational evaluation and evolution of laboratory engineered enzymes, and experience in this field is desirable

Application

The application must include a CV, full publication list, copies of diplomas and certificates, contact details of two references, and a personal letter including a short description of research interests. The application will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Appropriate education and work/research in related fields. Emphasis will also be placed on personal skills.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to individual qualifications.

Start date: September 1st, or according to mutual agreement.

Form of employment: Temporary employment of one years.

Extent of employment: 100 %.

For more information contact: Lynn Kamerlin (lynn.kamerlin@kemi.uu.se) or Antonietta Parracino (antonietta.parracino@kemi.uu.se)

Where to apply:

Please apply through the Uppsala University application portal, found at the bottom of each job listing (“Login and Apply”) as the University regulations don’t allow us to accept applications by email. Postdoctoral researchers: https://uu.varbi.com/what:job/jobID:388509/?lang=en

You are welcome to apply no later than 30th of April 2021

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.

Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services. Applications must be submitted as described in this advertisement.