Ajankohtaista

Post­doc­to­ral Re­searc­her in Pro­tein Bioc­he­mi­stry and Struc­tu­ral Bio­lo­gy

9.8.2021

https://www2.helsinki.fi/fi/avoimet-tyopaikat/postdoctoral-researcher-in-protein-biochemistry-and-structural-biology

The laboratory of Dr. Tommi Kajander at the Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Finland, is inviting applications for post-doctoral researcher in the area of protein biochemistry and structural biology in a joint project with Prof. Mart Saarma’s laboratory. We are seeking for dedicated and enthusiastic scientist to work on the structure and function of novel endoplasmic reticulum effector protein-receptor interactions in ER stress response regulation. Main targets are CDNF and MANF proteins and their interaction complexes in the ER.

The Institute of Biotechnology is a research institute at University of Helsinki, located in the Viikki science park. The institute harbors ~35 research groups and 250 researchers, and it operates at the highest international level. For more information on the Institute, please visit https://www.helsinki.fi/en/hilife-institute-of-biotechnology.
The institute has excellent infrastructure for structural biology (X-ray, CryoEM, NMR) including the crystallography core facility run by the PI.

The post-doctoral applicants should hold PhD in biochemistry or a related field. Strong experience in protein biochemistry including cloning and mutagenesis and protein expression and purification, from various hosts and good communication skills in English are required. Knowledge and experience in structural biology and molecular biophysics techiques and cell culture is beneficial. This is an opportunity to work on high impact targets and obtain in depth technical skills in the research area. The position will provide excellent opportunities for collaborations, as this is a joint project in close collaboration with Prof. Mart Saarma’s group, with also potential international and national collaborations and visits to e.g. synchrotron sources in Europe (ESRF, DLS, MAXIV). An attitude to carry out ambitious research projects, good problem solving skills, goal-oriented mind-set and willingness to learn and apply new methodologies is highly appreciated. The working language of the laboratory is English; knowledge of Finnish is not a requirement.

The postdoctoral position is initially limited to 1 year, with a possibility of extension to three years. The salaries will be based on the University salary scheme (level 5) for teaching and research personnel composed of both task specific and personal performance component The position is available immediately or as agreed.

Application should include the following documents as a single pdf file (max 5 pages): CV (max 2 pages), list of publications, motivation letter (max 1 page) including a description of your research interests, and the names and contact details of at least two referees. Please submit your application, together with the required pdf attachment, through the University of Helsinki electronic recruitment system by clicking on the ‘Apply for job’ button. Internal applicants (i.e., current employees of the University of Helsinki) should submit their applications through the SAP HR portal. For technical support regarding the recruitment system, please contact ‘rekrytointi@helsinki.fi’.

The deadline for the applications is 31st of August, 2021, or until suitable candidate have been found.

For informal inquiries, contact ‘tommi.kajander(at)helsinki.fi’
See also:
https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/structural-biology-of-protein…
https://www2.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/neurotrophic-factors-and-rege…

For technical support regarding the recruitment system, please contact rekrytointi@helsinki.fi.

Selected recent references related to project and the laboratory:
Kovaleva V, Yu LY, Ivanova L, Nam J, Eesmaa A, Kumpula EP, Huiskonen J, Lindholm P, Voutilainen M, Karelson M, Saarma M. MANF regulates unfolded protein response and neuronal survival through its ER-located receptor IRE1α bioRxiv 2020.09.22.307744

Eesmaa A, Yu LY, Göös H, Nõges K, Kovaleva V, Hellman M, Zimmermann R, Jung M, Permi P, Varjosalo M, Lindholm P, Saarma M. The cytoprotective protein MANF promotes neuronal survival independently from its role as a GRP78 cofactor. J Biol Chem. 2021 Jan 15;296:100295.

Lindahl M, Saarma M, Lindholm P. Unconventional neurotrophic factors CDNF and MANF: Structure, physiological functions and therapeutic potential. Neurobiol Dis. 2017 Jan;97(Pt B):90-102.