Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Computational Biophysics)

Location: Finland

Application Deadline: 15 October 2024

Published: 5 days ago

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The newly established BioInterfaces group at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences uses molecular dynamics simulations to tackle a diverse set of questions related to biological interfaces composed of lipids and proteins. The group is currently looking for a postdoctoral researcher to kickstart its research activity at Tampere University.

Job Description

The position focuses on molecular dynamics simulations of biological interfaces, such as membranes and monolayers. Your tasks will involve performing and analyzing simulations, preparing manuscripts for publication, disseminating the findings at meetings and conferences, and participating in grant proposal writing.

The research project will be tailored for your skills and interests but will likely revolve around the following topics: 1) The structure and dynamics of complex biomembranes. 2) The effects of this complexity on membrane protein structure and dynamics. 3) The behavior of biomolecules, such as the pulmonary surfactant, at the air–water interface. 4) Model and method development for biomolecular simulations. All these projects are conducted in collaboration with international external partners, covering the fields of theory, simulation, and experiment.

For more information, see the group website here.

Requirements

You should have a PhD degree in a STEM field such as physics, chemistry, biosciences, or a related subject area, preferably with a solid background in molecular dynamics simulations (e.g., GROMACS) and at least basic knowledge of programming (e.g., Python). The demonstrated ability to develop simulation or analysis tools, or to apply machine learning methods to simulation data are considered major advantages.

You are expected to be able to work independently, supervise the daily work of students, and potentially contribute to the teaching activities of the unit. You should be fluent in spoken and written English. International experience and networks are also appreciated.

Tampere University is a unique, multidisciplinary and boldly forward-looking, evolving community. Our values are openness, diversity, responsibility, courage, critical thinking, erudition/ Bildung, and learner-centredness. We hope that you can embrace these values and promote them in your work.

We offer

The position will be filled for a fixed-term period of 2 years. The start date is flexible and negotiable. A trial period of six months applies to all our new employees.

The salary will be based on both the job requirements and the employee’s personal performance in accordance with the Salary system of Finnish universities. The position of a Postdoctoral Researcher is placed on the job demands levels 5–6 (teaching and research staff). A typical starting salary of Postdoctoral Researcher is around 3600 – 4200 EUR/month.

The BioInterfaces group is part of the Computational physics laboratory, which hosts 6 active research groups covering topics in biophysics, quantum matter, complex systems, novel materials, nanostructures, electronic structure and interdisciplinary challenges in medical technologies and physiology. The BioInterfaces group collaborates with numerous computational and experimental groups nationally and internationally. The group has access to the exceptional computational resources hosted by CSC–IT Center of Science in Finland.

As a member of the BioInterfaces group at its infancy, you have the possibility to contribute to the research directions of the group based on your personal interests and skills. You are also encouraged to form your own collaborative ties within the university, but also internationally, and visits to collaborating teams are encouraged. In addition, the group and its networks will support your growth towards academic independence by providing mentoring, supporting you in grant writing, and eventually helping you take the next step in your career.

We offer you the opportunity to join our dynamic and innovative international community. As a member of staff at Tampere University, you will enjoy a range of competitive benefits, such as occupational health care services, flexible work schedule, versatile research infrastructure, modern teaching facilities and a safe and inviting campus area as well as a personal fund to spend on sports and cultural activities in your free time. Please read more about working at Tampere University. You can also find more information about us and working and living Tampere by watching our video: Tampere Higher Education Community – our academic playground.

Finland is among the most stable, free and safe countries in the world, based on prominent ratings by various agencies. Tampere is the largest inland city of Finland, and the city is counted among the major academic hubs in the Nordic countries. Tampere region is the most rapidly growing urban area in Finland and home to a vibrant knowledge-intensive entrepreneurial community. The city is an industrial powerhouse that enjoys a rich cultural scene and a reputation as a centre of Finland’s information society. Tampere is also surrounded by vivid nature with forests and lakes, providing countless opportunities for easy-to-access outdoor adventures and refreshment throughout the year.