1-2 Postdoctoral fellows in Structure and function of human membrane proteins

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments:

• The Department of Infectious Diseases
• The Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets

We are currently seeking several highly talented, innovative and results-driven persons for postdoctoral positions in structure and function of human membrane proteins in the Johansson laboratory at the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine at the Göteborg University, Sweden.

Structure and function of human membrane proteins

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels make up two of the largest sub-families of human membrane proteins. These proteins are important targets for therapeutic development and in particular GPCRs since they constitute about 30-40% of all therapeutic drug targets. Methodological breakthroughs have accelerated structure determination of human membrane proteins, however our understanding of the molecular bases of ligand binding and mechanisms of activation remain elusive.  We will characterize these proteins using structural, biophysical and pharmacological methods.

The successful candidates will work on the structure and function of select human membrane protein targets, including G protein-coupled receptors and ion channels, using a combination of structural, biochemical and pharmacological approaches. The candidates will be encouraged and expected to conduct their research independently and to plan and execute research tasks in a timely manner. The candidates are also expected to travel for data collection purposes and to participate in collaborations with other research groups (either within Sweden or abroad). Additionally, the candidates may also be asked to assist in supervision of Masters or doctoral students.

The eligibility criteria for employing teaching staff are set out in Chapter 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance and in the Appointment Procedure for Teaching Posts at the University of Gothenburg. 

To be eligible for appointment as a postdoc, the applicant is required to have a doctoral degree, a doctoral degree in art or a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be met before the employment decision is made. 

In the first instance, those who have completed their degree no more than three years prior to the end of the application period shall be considered. Those who have completed their degree more than three years prior to the end of the application period may also be considered in the first instance if special grounds exist. Special grounds relate to leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, commissions of trust within union organisations, service within the defence services or other similar circumstances, as well as clinical service or service/assignment relevant to the subject area.  

The applicants must have a PhD in a relevant area of research such as structural biology, biochemistry/biophysics, pharmacology or related fields. The successful candidates should have extensive experience in cloning, expression and purification of membrane proteins. Extra merit is given to those with previous experience in structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography) or in pharmacology.

Great emphasis will be placed on the candidate’s personal suitability for the position and interest in the subject area as well as their long-term research goals. The work involves close collaborations with other researchers and thus demands flexibility and a willingness to travel for data collection purposes.  Excellent communication skills (spoken and written) in English are a prerequisite for the position.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

The employment is full time and temporary, two years with the possibility of one year's extension, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact: Linda Johansson; email: linda.johansson.4">mailto:[email protected]">linda.johansson.4 @gu.se; telephone: +46(0)766183244.