Postdoc position at Lund University, Sweden

Postdoctoral fellowship in Lindkvist lab at Lund University, Sweden

Aquaporins in health and pathology

A highly motivated postdoctoral scientist is sought to work on a project designed to extend our understanding of the molecular basis of aquaporins (AQPs).

AQPs are evolutionary conserved transmembrane proteins that are responsible for water and glycerol regulation in the human body, but also in many other organisms. Besides solute transport, AQPs have been shown to be involved
in cellular signaling, cell migration, and cell-cell adhesion. For instance, AQPs are the main glycerol channel in the endocrine pancreas, mediating rapid flux of glycerol in
β-cells and ultimately insulin secretion. Interestingly, it was also recently reported that AQPs in fruit flies have a central role in metabolism. The overall goal of the project is to study the structure of aquaporins using single
particle cryo-EM and combine that with functional studies at the cellular level to resolve its mechanism of action. In addition, AQPs are therapeutic targets, thus the project will also include the development of putative AQP blockers, that can be used for
treating diseases and/or to selectively kill insects expressing aquaporins. The project will have good access to state-of-the-art facilities within the medical, natural science and engineering faculties, as well as being located in close proximity to the
nearby MAX IV synchrotron where also the Lund cryo-EM facility is situated.

Please, use the link below and follow the instructions to apply.

Postdoctoral fellowship: Aquaporins in health and pathology

A few relevant publications from Lindkvist laboratory

Molecular basis for human aquaporin inhibition

Huang P, Åbacka H, Wilson CJ, Wind ML, Rűtzler M, Hagström-Andersson A, Gourdon P, de Groot BL, Venskutonytė R,
Lindkvist-Petersson K.

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2024 Feb 13;121(7):e2319682121. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2319682121.

SMS121, a new inhibitor of CD36, impairs fatty acid uptake and viability of acute myeloid leukemia

Åbacka H, Masoni S, Poli G, Huang P, Gusso F, Granchi C, Minutolo F, Tuccinardi T, Hagström-Andersson AK,
Lindkvist-Petersson K.

Sci Rep. 2024 Apr 20;14(1):9104. doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-58689-1.

Cryo-EM structure supports a role of AQP7 as a junction protein.

Huang P, Venskutonytė R PrasadRB, ArdalaniH, de MaréSW, FanX, LiP, SpégelP, YanN, Gourdon
P, ArtnerI, Lindkvist-Petersson K.

Nature Commun. 2023 Feb 3;14(1):600. doi: 10.1038/s41467-023-36272-y

Minimum requirements are:

Candidate needs to have a maximum 8 years after a doctoral degree (PhD), as required by the project Grant Agreement signed with the European Commission, at least one original publication in a peer-reviewed journal, a
background in the relevant methods, a complete application package submitted through the AMBER portal (including CV and detailed research plan), and finally, strict compliance with the MSCA mobility rule that the researcher must not have resided or carried
out his/her main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host organisation’s country for more than twelve months in the three years immediately prior to the call deadline.

The employment also requires:

Undergraduate and doctoral degrees in chemistry, biological sciences or other relevant fields of science. Basic knowledge of protein expression and purification. Basic knowledge in structural biology, preferably experience
with single particle cryo-EM. Ability to develop and conduct good quality research. Demonstration of motivation and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Meritorious for the employment

Ability to perform basic programming tasks expected for routine data handling and interpretation. Ability to clearly formulate scientific results and to prepare reports as needed/demanded. Evidence of interpersonal skills
befitting a researcher working in a highly interactive and collaborative environment. Demonstration of experience/competence beyond basic understanding of techniques mentioned in previous section

Consideration will also be given to good collaboration skills, drive and independence, as well as how the applicant, through his experience and competence, is judged to complement and strengthen ongoing research within
the department and the AMBER program, as well as project partner laboratories and how they should contribute to its future development.

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Professor Karin Lindkvist

Experimental Medical Science

Medical Structural Biology

Lund University

BMC C13

221 84 Lund, Sweden

Tel: +46 2228041

Tel (mobile): +46 734222786

Email:
Karin.Lindkvist@med.lu.se

LINXS – Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science

Scheelevägen 19