Associate Researcher in Structural Modeling

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

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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 on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg

Neutze has been working in the field of time-resolved X-ray scattering studies of integral membrane proteins since 2008. Because X-ray scattering data are not as information rich as X-ray diffraction data, structural modelling is challenging. This problem is even more acute when working with integral membrane proteins since one must model both the membrane protein and the surrounding detergent micelle. Several years ago we recorded time-resolved X-ray solution scattering data from samples of detergent solubilized cytochrome c oxidase. We have good quality data from these experiments at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) but we must fit these data with a structural model to allow this work to be published. The ERC grant Proton Pump will close on December 31, 2024, and we therefore need to complete this modeling in the near future. With this goal in mind, we are advertising a six-month position as Associate Researcher to focus on modeling conformational changes in cytochrome c oxidase for fitting against time-resolved X-ray solution scattering data. The successful candidate must demonstrate expertise in structural modelling of integral membrane proteins using the molecular dynamics simulations package Gromacs, and applying these simulations to fit X-ray solution scattering data.

Duties 

Time-resolved X-ray scattering data that has been collected at the ESRF must be analyzed and modelled. This position aims to model time-dependent changes in X-ray solution scattering data collected from samples of cytochrome c oxidase. In our experiments using synchrotron radiation, a laser pulse was used to release molecular oxygen from a light sensitive compound, and this oxygen would react with reduced samples of cytochrome c oxidase in solution. X-ray scattering data were then recorded from these samples as a function of the time-delay between the laser pulse that initiated the reaction, and the X-ray pulse which probed the protein’s structure. To model the experimental changes in X-ray scattering using structural changes, the successful candidate will run simulations of cytochrome c oxidase using the molecular dynamics package Gromacs, and will predict X-ray scattering changes using the package Crysol. The successful candidate must also be able to work with MatLab to combine their structural results and X-ray scattering predictions with the best fits to the X-ray scattering data. Because there is no time for training, the successful candidate must demonstrate that they can work with the ba₃-cytochrome c oxidase in Gromacs, and must also be familiar with how molecular dynamics simulations and used to fit time-resolved X-ray solution scattering data. The overriding task is to bring the analysis of our time-resolved X-ray scattering data to a level where scientific conclusions can be drawn and the work published.

Qualifications 

The successful candidate must have a master of science degree in chemistry, molecular biology, structural biology or its equivalent. The successful candidate must also have several years of working experience in the analysis of X-ray scattering data recorded using synchrotron radiation. The successful candidate must also have a practical knowledge of the programming languages MatLab and Python and be able to build and run simulations of cytochrome c oxidase in the molecular dynamics package Gromacs.

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

Employment 

Fixed term during six months 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 (richard.neutze@gu.se). 

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: 2024-03-21

 

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.

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