丹麦哥本哈根大学2023年招聘博士后（计算蛋白质生物物理学）

丹麦哥本哈根大学2023年招聘博士后（计算蛋白质生物物理学）

哥本哈根大学 （英文: University of Copenhagen; 丹麦文: Københavns Universitet；简称：UCPH / KU）坐落于丹麦王国首都哥本哈根，是丹麦最高学府，4EU＋联盟、国际研究型大学联盟、欧洲研究型大学联盟、欧洲首都大学联盟、欧洲大学协会成员。大学建于1479年，已有500多年历史，从最初只对社会名流开放，现已发展成一所学科全面、集教育与科研于一身的世界研究型大学。

Postdoc of Computational Protein Biophysics

Copenhagen University

Postdoc of Computational Protein Biophysics

Department of Biology Faculty of Science

University of Copenhagen

The Lindorff-Larsen group at the Linderstrøm-Lang Centre for Protein Science, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Denmark invites applicants for a postdoctoral position in computational protein biophysics. The position is part of the ERC Synergy project DynaPLIX (Dynamics of ProteinLigand Interactions) that aims to combine molecular dynamics simulations, NMR spectroscopy and time-resolved crystallography to quantify the dynamical pathways of how ligands bind to proteins. The postdoc project involves the computational aspects of DynaPLIX. DynaPLIX is a collaboration with the groups of Mikael Akke (Lund, Sweden; NMR) and Eike Schulz (Hamburg, Germany; crystallography), and the postdoc is expected to interact with researchers in these groups also. The position is for two years, with the possibility of extension.

The start date is expected to be 1 October or as soon as possible thereafter. Details about the project, what we are looking for and how to apply can be found below.

The project

Our knowledge of protein function is primarily based on static structures, which have provided great insights about structure-function relationships. Proteins are, however, not static molecules, but undergo spontaneous transitions between alternative structural states, some of which are rare, transient conformations that are essentially invisible to traditional methods. These dynamical properties are known to be critically important for function, but high-resolution studies of dynamics have so far been conducted merely as an “add-on” following structural studies.

In DynaPLIX, we aim to establish “integrative biomolecular dynamics” by developing methods that integrate time-resolved X-ray crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and molecular simulations to study the motions of proteins while they carry out their function. The postdoc will work with other researchers in the Lindorff-Larsen group on the computational aspects of DynaPLIX, and will also work closely also with researchers performing experiments in the groups in Sweden and Germany.

The project is focused on the challenging problem of molecular recognition, specifically, of how proteins bind ligands by describing with atomic resolution the entire dynamic process to reach a consistent kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural view. From the computational side, this involves performing molecular simulations of protein-ligand binding processes and constructing kinetic models of these. In addition to using molecular dynamics simulations, ideally aided by machine learning methods, a key aspect of the project is to develop and apply theory of how to integrate simulations and time-resolved and time-dependent experiments. For some background see for example our review (https: // doi.org/10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.12.006; also available as a preprint at https: // doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1909.06780).

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking motivated applicants with a PhD degree in molecular biophysics, physics, chemistry or biochemistry or similar fields. The candidate should ideally have prior research experience within one or more of these areas:

Advanced molecular dynamics methods (i.e. beyond standard molecular simulations) including for example using and developing enhanced sampling methods

Analysing molecular simulations using machine learning or Markov state models

Integrating biophysical experiments and molecular simulations

Some of the projects in DynaPLIX involve substantial methods development, and the ideal candidate for the project has a solid theoretical background and programming skills. Other projects are more applied and experience with using molecular simulations to study the biophysics of protein-ligand kinetics is also useful. Previous experience with integrating molecular simulations with NMR or X-ray crystallographic data will be very useful.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The positions are part of an interdisciplinary research effort called DynaPLIX (Dynamics of ProteinLigand Interactions) that aims to combine molecular simulations, NMR spectroscopy and time-resolved crystallography to quantify the dynamical pathways of how ligands bind to proteins. The DynaPLIX project is funded by a six-year ERC synergy grant and is a collaboration with the groups of Mikael Akke (Lund, Sweden; NMR) and Eike Schulz (Hamburg, Germany; crystallography). The postdoc will interact with researchers in these groups also, in addition to other researchers in the DynaPLIX project in the Lindorff-Larsen group.

The postdoc will work in the group of Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, located at the Department of Biology in central Copenhagen. The group is also part of an interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment at the Linderstrøm- Lang Centre for Protein Science, and you will have the chance to work with scientists from a number of disciplines. The group is highly international and a good level of spoken and written English is required.

We offer creative working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Current members of the research group come from a broad range of scientific and personal backgrounds, and we value collaborations and interdisciplinary work. We are strong proponents of open science.

Inquiries about the position can be made to Professor Kresten Lindorff-Larsen, Department of Biology, E-mail: lindorff@bio.ku.dk.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.

Terms of employment

The position is covered by the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State.

Negotiation for salary supplement is possible.

The application, in English, must be submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW (SØG STILLINGEN) below. Only applications submitted via this system will be evaluated and you should not submit applications directly via e-mail.

Please include

A motivated letter of application (max. one page) explaining your background, key skills and how they are relevant to the research in DynaPLIX

Curriculum vitae (max. two pages) including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position

Publication list including manuscripts available on pre-print servers. Please do not enclose copies of the papers

Diplomas (Master and PhD degree or equivalent)

If you do not yet hold your PhD degree and would like to apply, please submit a letter from your supervisor regarding your expected hand-in and graduation dates

The deadline for applications is 1 August 2023, 23:59 GMT +2 .

After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the Interview Committee.

You can read about the recruitment process at https: // employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/ .

Interviews with selected candidates are expected initially to be held online followed by in-house interviews on dates agreed upon with the candidate.