Summary
Lund University, a world-renowned institution founded in 1666, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Protein Evolution research group at the Department of Experimental Medical Science. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in structural bioinformatics and bacteriophage protein evolution, investigating the molecular mechanisms of microbial biological conflict. The successful candidate will combine protein structure prediction, comparative genomics, and evolutionary analysis to uncover uncharacterized molecular interactions in phage biology and virus-host interactions.
Postdoctoral Researcher in Structural Bioinformatics and Bacteriophage Protein Evolution
Designation
Postdoctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Structural Bioinformatics
- Bacteriophage Protein Evolution
- Comparative Genomics
- Protein Structure Prediction
- Microbial Biological Conflict
- Virus-Host Interactions
Location
Biomedical Centre (BMC), Lund, Skåne län, Sweden
Eligibility/Qualification
Required Qualifications:
- A doctoral degree or equivalent foreign degree in bioinformatics, molecular biology, microbiology, or a related discipline. The degree must be obtained by the appointment decision date.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and conduct high-quality research.
- Strong programming skills (e.g., Python).
- In-depth knowledge of bacteriophage molecular biology.
- Extensive experience in protein structure prediction and its application to biological research.
- Published bacteriophage-related research in reputable journals.
Meritorious Qualifications:
- Graduated no more than three years before the application closing date.
- Experience in predicting functions of uncharacterized proteins by integrating sequence, structural, and genomic context information.
- Experience in interdisciplinary research collaborations.
- Development of open-source bioinformatics tools.
- Teaching ability.
Job Description
The Postdoctoral Researcher will be an integral part of the Protein Evolution research group, led by Gemma C. Atkinson. The group utilizes comparative genomics, sensitive protein function prediction, and structural bioinformatics to investigate the evolution and molecular mechanisms of interactions between bacteria and bacteriophages. This project specifically focuses on combining protein structure and complex prediction with comparative genomics and evolutionary analysis to investigate interactions among bacteriophage proteins and between phage proteins and their bacterial hosts. The primary goal is to uncover previously uncharacterized molecular interactions and understand how protein evolution shapes their functions in phage biology and virus-host interactions. Computational predictions will generate hypotheses for experimental investigation in collaboration with research partners.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- Conduct computational research involving Python programming and high-throughput protein structure prediction using high-performance computing infrastructure.
- Work closely with other members of the research team and external collaborators.
- Develop independence as a researcher and broaden scientific expertise.
- Opportunities to contribute to teaching and supervise Master’s students.
The position is a fixed-term, full-time employment for two years, with a potential extension to a maximum of three years, intended as an initial career step to deepen and broaden research expertise.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via Lund University’s recruitment system.
Application Requirements:
- A personal letter explaining your interest in the position and how your qualifications match the role.
- Copies of degree certificates.
- A comprehensive CV including:
- List of publications.
- Links to code (e.g., on GitHub).
- Contact details of two referees.
Last Date for Apply
20.Oct.2026
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