Researcher in physical chemistry (PA2022/3710)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 46 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Project title: How molecules of different length influences bindning in cell contacts. 

Background: The aim with the project is to use advanced fluorescence microscopy to study bindning across cell contacts, and specifically how binding between T cell receptors and the MHC complex on immune cells is influenced by other binding pairs in the contact and their effective height. Binding between T-cell receptors and MHC is the first step in activating a T cell and it is important to be able to characterize this interaction under biologically relevant conditions in order to better understand how T cells are activated. The project will be conducted at the Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Peter Jönsson https://www.physchem.lu.se/people/seniors/joensson/.

Work duties

The main aim with the project is to characterize the interaction between T-cell receptors and MHC in simplified cell contacts using advanced fluorescence microscopy. This includes in particular: 

• Cell culturing and handling of cells expressing different types of receptors including MHC (these cells are already available for the project).
• Fabrication of artificial cell membranes called SLBs with different composition of ligands to bind receptors on contacting cells.
• Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF, FRAP, single molecule microscopy) to quantify binding in cell-SLB contacts.
• Image analysis and quantification of the binding data.
• Other binding studies in cell-SLB contacts can also be performed during the project.

Qualification requirements 

Applicants must have: 

• A PhD or equivalent research qualification within the subject of the position.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Experience in working with cells and cell culturing.
• Experience of advanced flourescence microscopy (TIRF, FRAP and single molecule microscopy).
• Experience of image analysis.

Assessment criteria and other qualifications

• Experience in using and making SLBs.
• Experience in studying and quantifying binding in cell contacts, in particular cell-SLB contacts using fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience of working with ligands and receptors on T cells.
• Experience of Zhu-Golan analysis of binding affinity. 

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Instructions on how to apply

Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:

• résumé/CV, including a list of publications,
• a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages),
• contact information of at least two references,
• copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.