Postdoctor in the analysis of X-ray scattering data

17 Feb 2024
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Gothenburg

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology
Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Chemistry » Biochemistry

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

6 Mar 2024 - 22:00 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Reference Number

1035--1-33400

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment.

We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN's global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change.

The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science.

The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 200 employees. We are located in central premises both on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Neutze's group has performed coherent X-ray scattering experiments at the European X-ray free electron laser (EU-XFEL, Hamburg) to study the structure of microtubules using single-particle X-ray scattering. This experiment builds directly from earlier studies at the LCLS (Stanford) [Brändén et al., Coherent diffractive imaging of microtubules using an X-ray laser, Nature Communications (2019)]. From the EU-XFEL study we have several terabytes of experimental data that must be processed and interpreted. Similarly, in collaboration with Morud Lekholm, Neutze's group has also performed time-resolved X-ray solution scattering studies at the ESRF (Grenoble) of pH induced structural changes in the ligand-gated ion channel KcsA. The analysis of these data are a major priority for the group. This two year postdoctoral position will therefore focus on the sorting, analysis and modelling of coherent X-ray scattering data from microtubules recorded using X-ray free electron laser (XFEL) radiation, and time resolved X-ray scattering data from KcsA recorded using synchrotron radiation. It is essential that we recruit someone with experience in working with these types of data and who is familiar with all computational methods required for the analysis. As such the successful candidate will need to demonstrate proven practical experience in data-collection, in the processing of X-ray scattering data, and demonstrate the ability to write code in MatLab or python as required for the analysis of these data.  

Duties 

X-ray scattering data collected at the EU-XFEL and ESRF must be processed and analyzed. We are therefore looking for a specialist who can develop and extend custom-written programs in MatLab and Python to process these types of data. The successful candidate must be familiar with data formats associated with X-ray detectors used at both facilities, and must be confident in writing data-processing scripts using MatLab and Python. Moreover, the successful candidate must have a solid understanding of the foundations of X-ray scattering theory and understand how these experimental data may be interpreted in terms of protein structure. The overriding task is to bring the analysis of these X-ray scattering data to a level where scientific conclusions can be drawn and the work published.

Qualifications 

The successful candidate must have a PhD in chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology or its equivalent. The successful candidate must also have several years working experience in the analysis of X-ray scattering data recorded using both XFEL radiation and synchrotron radiation. The successful candidate must also have a practical knowledge of the programming languages MatLab and Python. 

Experience in presenting results from X-ray scattering studies (eg. in publications or a PhD thesis) is a merit.

Employment 

Fixed term during two years full time (100%) at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology. 

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Richard Neutze ([email protected] ) or Julia Morud Lekholm ([email protected] ).

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande  

Application 

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

You must include the following, in PDF format

• Personal letter
• CV
• Diploma and transcripts showing that you meet with the general entry requirement
• Two references (name, e-mail, telephone number, relation)

Applications must be received by: 2024-03-07

 

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.

Requirements

Research Field

Biological sciences

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Languages

ENGLISH

Level

Good

Research Field

Biological sciences » Biology

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Chemistry » Molecular chemistry

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Research Field

Chemistry » Biochemistry

Years of Research Experience

4 - 10

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

University of Gothenburg

Country

Sweden

City

Göteborg

Postal Code

40530

Street

Göteborgs universitet

Where to apply

Website

https://web103.reachmee.com/ext/I005/1035/main?site=7&validator=9b89bead79bb725…

Contact

City

Göteborg

Street

Göteborgs universitet

Postal Code

40530

E-Mail

[email protected]

Phone

0317864056

STATUS: EXPIRED