Researcher in molecular neurobiology

Om jobbet

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 58 000 students and 6800 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment. We are 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 programmes in molecular biology, bioinformatics, chemistry, organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry, as well as Bachelor's Programme in Pharmacy/Dispensing Pharmacists. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life science. We are centrally located in Natrium, Medicinareberget, Gothenburg.

The current project will investigate a class of protein in the family of ligand-gated ion channels. These proteins are receptors that are involved in fast neurotransmission in nervous systems, they also have an important role in synaptic plasticity. The Morud Lekholm group use the nematode C. elegans to study these receptors and how they are involved in regulating and controlling different forms of behaviors, such as learning and escape behaviors. The project aims to investigate the basic principles of these receptors by characterizing their basic functions, such as how they are recruited into synapses upon learning events and how a dysfunctional synapse inclusion influences the learning ability. Moreover, the project will, by utilizing biophysical techniques, study how the structural perturbations depend on the identity of the activating ligand, and how this in turns influence the effect size produced by the ion channel. The projects also include molecular biology and biochemical work for generating new transgenic C. elegans lines and for the production of baculoviruses to be used for protein production and purification in Spodoptera frugiperda Sf9 cells.

Duties

The position involves the following tasks: independently planning experimental work and analysis, producing and purifying protein from Sf9 cells, preparing protein for cryo-EM and liquid experiments for difference SAXS, producing new baculovirus, protein production in Sf9 cells, identifying ligands using electrophysiology, and performing molecular dynamic simulations. The researcher will also collaborate with other group members to produce scientific papers and analyze data in order to present these findings at international conferences.

Qualifications

Requirements for the position:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Doctoral degree in (e.g., neurobiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, structural biology) or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree in a relevant field.
• Good knowledge in membrane protein purification
• Experience from time-resolved structure biology using XFELs or TR-XSS techniques
• Experience using Two-electrode voltage clamp systems

Meritorious for the position:

Previous experience working with C. elegans is an advantage, such as in vivo characterization of uncharacterized proteins using genetic or electrophysiological methods, experience with expression and purification of membrane proteins, cryo-EM preparation, and molecular dynamics in Gromacs. We are looking for a motivated person with documented experience in producing, compiling, and analyzing large datasets. Good knowledge of biochemical methods, molecular biology, and preferably analysis of SAXS and cryo-EM datasets is desirable. Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are essential as we work in an international environment. Applicants are expected to have published several articles in reputable scientific journals.

Employment

The position is fixed-term for 6 months on a full-time basis (100%) with placement at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Gothenburg. Start in February 2026.

Contact information for the post

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Julia Morud Lekholm, julia.morud@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.

The application must include

• Résumé/CV
• Cover Letter
• Contact information of at least two references,
• Copy of degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered. The qualifications claimed must be documented, certified and translated into English.

All attachments must be labelled in a way that clearly shows their content.

Applications must be received by:2026-01-13

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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