Postdoctoral Researcher in molecular and structural biology

The research group of Michael Landreh is located at Karolinska Institutet in Solna. Our work is focused on the development and application of protein engineering and mass spectrometry to understand the structure-function relationship of challenging protein systems, including disordered proteins, molecular chaperones, membrane proteins, and amyloids, which play key roles in cancer and neurodegeneration. The lab includes facilities for protein expression and characterisation as well as state-of-the-art mass spectrometry (orbitrap, time of flight, ion mobility). We furthermore collaborate closely with the labs of Sir David Lane, FRS, and Marie Arsenian-Henriksson, at the Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell biology, KI, who routinely employ cutting-edge live-cell microscopy, cell sorting, and animal models to study molecular mechanisms in cancer. This environment enables us to combine structural biology with cellular disease models to study the function of proteins from the molecular to the organismal level.

The applicant will work on the expression and characterization of partially disordered chaperones using a variety of biochemical and biophysical techniques, with the aim of elucidating the modular structures and activities. The focus of the postdoctoral project is to continue ongoing work in our lab on the role of liquid-liquid phase separation in cancer and protein aggregation disorders. The postdoctoral researcher will work on a subset of molecular chaperones that have disordered and folded domains, with the aim of understanding how the different domains work together to prevent protein aggregation. The postdoctoral researcher will engineer, express, and purify different variants of the target proteins, and analyse their structures, interactions, and activities using mass spectrometry, EM, and fluorescence spectroscopy. He or she will then correlate structural features with biological activity using live-cell imaging and viability assays.

The successful applicant has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. He or she is expected to have a well-established track record in protein biochemistry, including molecular cloning, protein expression, and LC-based purification strategies. Experience with biophysical methods including fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy, electron microscopy analysis and in particular native mass spectrometry, are required. Practical experience of work with aggregation-prone proteins and peptides, molecular chaperones as well as the analysis of protein aggregation kinetics is a significant advantage. He or she is expected to have a strong drive to pursue experimental research, and an ambitious and innovative attitude. The applicant will work closely with other members of the group, and good collaborative skills are necessary. Very good ability to speak and write in English is a requirement. Emphasis will be put on personal suitability.

Qualified to be employed as a postdoctor is one who has obtained a doctorate or has equivalent scientific competence. Applicants who have not completed a doctorate at the end of the application period may also apply, provided that all requirements for a completed degree are met before the (intended) date of employment. This must be substantiated by the applicant's main supervisor, director or equivalent.

Karolinska Institutet is one of the world's leading medical universities. Our vision is to pursue the development of knowledge about life and to promote better health for all. At Karolinska Institutet, we conduct innovative medical research and provide the largest range of biomedical education in Sweden. Karolinska Institutet is a state university, which entitles employees to several benefits such as extended holiday and a generous occupational pension. Employees also have free access to our modern gym and receive reimbursements for medical care.

Location: Solna

Application

An employment application must contain the following documents in English or Swedish:

• A complete resumé, including date of the thesis defence, title of the thesis, previous academic positions, academic title, current position, academic distinctions, and committee work
• A complete list of publications
• A summary of current work (no more than one page)

The application is to be submitted through the Varbi recruitment system.