Post-Doc in Biotechnology / Molecular Cell Biology

Post-Doc in Biotechnology / Molecular Cell Biology 

Reference number REF 2024-0480 

In this Post-Doc position your work will contribute to the development of yeast cell factories with improved performance. More specifically you will investigate the contribution of proteostasis, oxidative stress, the proteasome and pH homeostasis, to the ability of yeast cell factories to produce aromatic chemicals. You will help advance world-leading, state-of-the-art research at the nexus of cutting-edge Biotechnology and Molecular Cell Biology.

Project description
The research group of Mikael Molin has in later years pioneered the molecular understanding of oxidants in protein homeostasis (a k a proteostasis). Because low levels of oxidants are produced endogenously and because they target protein synthesis, folding and degradation they have a profound impact on physiology and disease. Because of their role in feed-back regulating protein synthesis as a function of metabolism oxidants have also turned out to limit the productivity of cell factories. However, modern methods to measure ROS and expertise in redox signaling enables rational metabolic engineering to increase the productivity of yeast cell factories (Gast V, Appl Environ Microbiol, 2021; -, Bio-protocol, 2022).

Moreover, yeast cell factories transforming sustainable starting materials, such as lignocellulose, to fine chemicals sustain significant oxidative and acid stress that limit productivity. Interestingly, recent studies in the collaborating Nygård lab (Division of Industrial Biotechnology, Chalmers) has pinpointed a key role for genes involved in the dissociation of one of the major protein degradation complexes in cells, the ubiquitin-dependent proteasome, in acid resistance (Mukherjee V, mSystems, 2021), implicating further oxidative proteostasis networks in cell factory performance.

In this project you will take engineering further by incorporating modern oxidant/proteostasis probes, CRISPRi and high-throughout screening with the aim to develop resistant yeast cell factory strains able to produce higher titers of aromatic chemicals from sustainable starting material.
https://www.sysbio.se/labs/molin-lab/

References
https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/aem.00301-21
https://en.bio-protocol.org/en/bpdetail?id=4317
https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/msystems.00418-21

Information about the division and the department
The Post-Doc position is placed in the vibrant and successful Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology, that is part of the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers. The division comprises over 100 members including 11 PIs, ~20 Post-Docs and 16 PhD students aiming to decipher the function of living cells and to harness their power in cell factories. In the multidisciplinary research field Systems and Synthetic Biology chemists, mathematicians, biologists and engineers work together both at the bench and in silico to improve the understanding of fundamental life-processes, to develop new medicines and to design efficient cell factories for the sustainable production of chemicals.

Molin's lab use a broad spectrum of Biotechnology, Molecular Cell Biology, Systems Biology and Biochemistry tools to further the understanding the impact of hydrogen peroxide-signaling and proteostasis in cellular physiology and cell factory performance. The department has an extensive instrument platform for analytics, molecular biology, protein production and purification which are all available for the project. High-throughput screening will be conducted in collaboration with the yeast high-throughput screening facility at RISE Processum (Örnsköldsvik, V Mukherjee). In addition, core facilities with advanced equipment for metabolomics, proteomics and microscopy are available at the department, the campus and the neighbouring University of Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
As a Post-Doc you will conduct experimental work and data analysis aiming to clarify the impact of oxidants and proteostasis on the performance of yeast cell factories producing aromatic compounds. Major research tasks include high-throughput screening of CRISPRi libraries for biosensor readouts, identification of the underlying mutations, incorporation and characterization of effects on oxidative proteostasis in production strains.

The position includes supervision of undergraduate students as well as local, national and international collaboration. You will be expected to regularly present data in different forums including scientific conferences, meetings and seminars as well as to write manuscripts and apply for (minor) funding. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
The candidate should have a PhD and a strong foundation in Biotechnology, Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline. Extensive hands-on research experience in the fields of Biotechnology, Molecular biology, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology and Microbiology, are considered an advantage. Special emphasis will be given to qualifications in high-throughput screening, analyzing proteostasis, using biosensors to monitor cellular processes in vivo and in analyzing the defence against reactive oxygen species in yeast especially regarding the function of redox metabolism and redox signaling in this process.

The candidate needs to be motivated, self-propelled, able to withstand stress, quality conscious and possess excellent technical abilities. He or she should be able to set up new experimental procedures and be good in finding solutions to technical problems. Cooperation is important for the position and therefore good social, interpersonal skills are important. The candidate should have good analytical skills and a keen interest in the interpretation of complex data. An ability to work in teams and a drive for own development are also important. Good communication skills in the English language are a requirement.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service*.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

* The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1)

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with 20240481 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered.

Application deadline: 2024-09-30

 
For questions, please contact:
Associate professor Mikael Molin, Systems Biology,
mikael.molin@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

Chalmers University of Technology

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