Post-doctoral fellow in AI-based design of de novo protein biofilm systems Full-time

Post-doctoral Fellow in AI-based Design of De Novo Protein Biofilm Systems

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top universities. The University has around 46,000 students and 8,500 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 equality, equal opportunities, and diversity as a strength and an asset.

Subject Description

AI-based protein design and synthetic biology for developing programmable living materials, with a particular focus on the de novo design of protein biofilm systems. The research combines computational protein design with synthetic biology to develop new molecular functions and mechanisms for controlling the formation, organization, and functional properties of living materials. The work may include development and application of AI-based protein design methods, experimental characterization of designed proteins, microbial engineering, biofilm design, and high-throughput functional screening.

We are committed to translating fundamental discoveries into technologies with real-world impact. The lab first spinout company is already funded and operational, with additional translational opportunities under development. This provides a unique environment for researchers interested in pursuing future careers in either academia targeting hard basic research problems or technology development and entrepreneurship. We value community spirit, dedication, and the pursuit of innovative science with the potential to make a meaningful impact on sustainability and future technologies.

Work Duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.

Detailed description of the work duties, such as:

• Research within AI-based protein design, synthetic biology, biofilm engineering, and programmable living materials.
• Development and implementation of computational pipelines for the de novo design of proteins and protein-based systems.
• Development and implementation of high-throughput experimental approaches for screening and characterization of designed systems.
• Engineering of microbial systems with de novo biofilms.
• Teaching in the first, second, and third cycles of studies
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Actively seeking external research funding
• Collaboration with researchers from different scientific disciplines and with external partners, including industry.
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

Qualification Requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• A doctoral degree, or equivalent research experience, in a field relevant to the position, such as protein design, computational biology, structural biology, synthetic biology, biotechnology, bioengineering, microbiology, molecular biology, or a closely related field.

Assessment Criteria and Other Qualifications

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• Documented scientific excellence and the quality of the applicant's previous research, including their individual contribution to published or ongoing work.
• Demonstrated ability to independently formulate scientific questions, solve research problems, and drive research projects forward.
• Research experience and demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas: computational or de novo protein design; synthetic biology; microbial or yeast engineering; biofilm engineering; or high-throughput functional screening.
• The relevance of the applicant's previous research experience and technical expertise to the development of programmable microbial and biofilm systems.
• Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment combining computational and experimental approaches.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

• Research experience spanning two or more of the scientific areas relevant to the project.
• Experience with AI-based or computational protein design, including modern methods for protein structure prediction, sequence design, or generative protein design.
• Experience with experimental production and characterization of designed proteins.
• Experience with genetic engineering of bacteria or yeast and the development of engineered microbial systems.
• Experience with the engineering, characterization, or functional screening of biofilms.
• Experience with high-throughput experimentation, automation, screening, or iterative design–build–test–learn workflows.
• Experience developing or implementing computational pipelines for biological or protein design.
• A strong publication record relative to career stage, with particular consideration given to evidence of substantial individual contributions to high-quality research.
• Demonstrated scientific creativity, initiative, and ability to develop new experimental or computational approaches.
• Experience of interdisciplinary collaboration and the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with researchers from different scientific backgrounds and with external partners.

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.

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.

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.