Post-doctoral fellow in AI-based design of de novo protein-semiconductor functional materials

Subject description
AI-based protein design for generating programmable protein–semiconductor two-dimensional metamaterials. The focus of the project is to utilize de novo designed proteins as nanoscale construction systems for semiconductor materials. The research combines AI-driven protein design, protein self-assembly, semiconductor nanotechnology, and solid-state physics to develop new approaches to semiconductor nanofabrication. Rather than relying on conventional top-down fabrication, the project aims to use designed proteins to organize semiconductor materials into precisely defined periodic structures with control approaching the molecular scale. The work may include AI-based protein design, experimental protein expression and validation, protein self-assembly, semiconductor synthesis, high-throughput screening, and structural, optical, and electrical characterization of the resulting hybrid materials.
Our lab is committed to translating fundamental discoveries into technologies with real-world impact. Protein-programmed semiconductor assembly could enable applications extending beyond the initial project, including metasurfaces and metalenses, optical materials, sensors, nanoelectronics, photonics, and new forms of biologically manufactured functional materials. The lab’s first spinout company is already funded and operational, with additional translational opportunities under development. Postdoctoral researchers are actively encouraged to identify and pursue new scientific directions, applications, and potential spinouts emerging from their work. This provides a unique environment for researchers interested in careers in academia tackling ambitious fundamental research problems, or in technology development and entrepreneurship. We value creativity, community spirit, dedication, and the pursuit of unconventional ideas with the potential to make a meaningful impact on future technologies.
For more information
: saragovi.science
All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-school/ an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral posistion is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position shall include the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning.
Research within AI-based protein design, protein self-assembly, and protein–semiconductor hybrid materials.
Development and implementation of computational pipelines for the de novo design of proteins and protein-based self-assembling systems.
Experimental production, characterization, and optimization of de novo designed proteins and protein assemblies.
Development and implementation of high-throughput experimental approaches for screening and characterization of designed protein systems and hybrid protein–semiconductor systems.
Development and characterization of protein–semiconductor two-dimensional materials and nanoscale assemblies.
Integration of designed protein assemblies with a variety of substrates and supporting membranes to enable the fabrication and characterization of two-dimensional protein–semiconductor materials.
Structural, optical, and functional characterization of designed protein–semiconductor systems.
Teaching in the first, second, and third cycles of studies.
Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
Actively seeking external research funding.
Collaboration with researchers from different scientific disciplines and with external partners, including industry.
Administration related to the work duties listed above.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position, completed no more than three years before the date of employment decision. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.
Additional requirements:
Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
A doctoral degree, or equivalent research experience, in a field relevant to the position, such as protein design, computational bioinformatics, hybrid materials or a closely related field.
Assessment criteria and other qualifications
This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.
For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:
Documented scientific excellence and the quality of the applicant's previous research, including their individual contribution to published or ongoing work.
Demonstrated ability to independently formulate scientific questions, solve research problems, and drive research projects forward.
Research experience and demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas: Use AND development of de novo protein design pipelines; high-throughput functional screening of proteins or nonmaterials.
Ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary research environment combining computational and experimental approaches.
Teaching skills.
Additional assessment criteria:
Experience in developing AI-based or computational models relevant to molecular or materials design
Experience in chemical and physical methods for the nanoscale characterization of inorganic materials
Experience in inorganic mineralization and/or biomineralization techniques
Experience with experimental production and characterization of designed proteins.
Experience with high-throughput experimentation, automation, screening, or iterative design–build–test–learn workflows.
Demonstrated scientific creativity, initiative, and ability to develop new experimental or computational approaches.
Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of a maximum of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”) between Lund University, SACO-S and OFR/S, dated 1st February 2022.
Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and be compiled into a PDF-file containing:
résumé/CV, including a list of publications, a general description of past research and future research interests (no more than three pages), contact information of at least two references
, copy of the doctoral degree certificate, and other certificates/grades that you wish to be considered.
github/gitlab if avilable