Postdoctoral Fellow in Machine-Learning

Ref. No. SU FV-1241-24

at the Department of biochemistry and biophysics . Closing date: 23 April 2024.

The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics is mainly located with the other Departments of Chemistry and Life Sciences in the Arrhenius Laboratories for Natural Sciences, which are situated in the northern part of the University Campus at Frescati. Some 300 people of which about 70 are PhD students work at the Department, engaged in internationally highly recognized research covering a broad range of subjects.

This position is part of a joint collaboration between the two of the largest research programs in Sweden, the Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) and the SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS), with the ultimate goal of solving ground-breaking research questions across disciplines.

Wallenberg AI, Autonomous Systems and Software Program (WASP) is Sweden’s largest individual research program ever, a major national initiative for strategically motivated basic research, education and faculty recruitment. The program addresses research on artificial intelligence and autonomous systems acting in collaboration with humans, adapting to their environment through sensors, information and knowledge, and forming intelligent systems-of-systems. The vision of WASP is excellent research and competence in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and software for the benefit of Swedish industry. Read more: https://wasp-sweden.org/ .

The SciLifeLab and Wallenberg National Program for Data-Driven Life Science (DDLS) is a 12-year initiative that focuses on data-driven research, within fields essential for improving the people´s lives, detecting and treating diseases, protecting biodiversity and creating sustainability. The programme will train the next generation of life scientists and create a strong computational and data science base. The program aims to strengthen national collaborations between universities, bridge the research communities of life sciences and data sciences, and create partnerships with industry, healthcare and other national and international actors. Read more: www.scilifelab.se/data-driven .

Project description
The position will be associated with the Wallenberg (DDLS-WASP) project Machine-Learning how our Cells Capture Energy - Data-Driven Studies of Membrane Protein Function, Evolution, and Disease.  We are searching for a highly motivated postdoc to join our collaborative project on multiscale simulations & machine-learning (ML) applied to membrane protein function. The candidate will work in the Lab of Prof. Ville Kaila (Stockholm), with collaboration and research exchange with the Dr. Simon Olsson Lab (Chalmers). The project combines ML approaches with computational, biochemical, biophysical, and structural data, with aims to provide a basis for understanding how proteins power the energy metabolism of our cells, the evolution that led to the emergence of these intricate biological complexes, and how disease related mutations alter the protein function.

Main responsibilities
The position involves research on development and application of machine-learning methods to quantitatively predict the biological reactivity and functional dynamics of the membrane proteins responsible for energy transduction in mitochondria, with focus on Complex I.  Physics-based ML models will be derived using neural networks by combining quantum (QM/MM) simulations with biophysical experiments, evolutionary and mutagenesis data. The models aim to predict how the protein structure determines the biochemical activity and apply these to large-scale in silico-screening for probing how mitochondrial disease-related mutations alter the protein function.

Qualification requirements
Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills, scientific excellence, and skills to collaborate within a larger project team. Background in both ML and computational chemistry/biophysics preferred.

Terms of employment
The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Ville R. I. Kaila, telephone: +46 8 16 4240, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Please include the following information with your application

• Your contact details and personal data
• Your highest degree
• Your language skills
• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• Cover letter
• CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Up to 3 contact names for providing recommendation letter upon request (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

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