The Department of Chemistry at Umeå University announces a stipend for postdoctoral qualification in structural biology with focus on bacterial membrane proteins.
Umeå University offers exciting research opportunities in an excellent environment. The Department of Chemistry has around 200 employees. The Department is located within the cross-disciplinary Chemical Biological Centre (video) at Umeå University and provides excellent facilities and state-of-art equipment and platforms in a creative, inspiring, international and highly interactive environment.
Facilities include Protein Expertise Platform, X-ray, Proteomics, NMR (850-400 MHz), Cryo-EM and Biochemical Imaging Centre (confocal, FLIM, spinning disk, TIRF, STORM). The recent breakthrough research from Umeå University include deciphering the molecular mechanisms of the bacterial CRISPR-Cas9 system and repurposing it into a tool for genome editing. The method was developed at Umeå University and was awarded Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2020.
Project description
The research project in which the postdoctoral fellow will be engaged involves the structural and functional characterization of bacterial proteins in a pathway that transfers lipidated proteins from the inner membrane to the outer of Gram-negative bacteria. The studied targets represent both soluble proteins and membrane-bound complexes. These proteins are vital for the survival of the bacteria and interesting targets for novel antibacterial substances. The selected proteins are represented by bacteria from different phyla, such as proteobacteria and bacteroidetes. The present study will be performed using a blend of X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM, molecular biology, as well as biochemical and biophysical approaches. A more detailed description of the project can be found here.
The fellowship is for two years, starting as soon as possible or according to agreement. The tax-free stipend is 288 000 SEK per year and financed by Carl Trygger Foundations.
Qualifications
The required qualification is a doctoral degree, or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in structural biology, biochemistry or in an equivalent field, relevant for structural and functional characterization of proteins qualifies as a postdoctoral fellow. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist.
The postdoctoral candidate is expected to plan and perform the research independently but also in collaboration with other members of the project. Both independence and the ability to collaborate is therefore requirements. He/She must have extensive laboratory experience and be able to carry out and plan independent scientific research. The candidate must also have extensive knowledge in protein biochemistry and molecular biology. Experience in purification and characterization of membrane proteins is strongly desirable. Previous experience of cryo electron microscopy techniques is highly valuable. Fluency in written and spoken English is important. Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability as well as on genuine enthusiasm for the topic.
Application
A full application should include:
Personal letter (here one can specify what the personal letter should contain, for example, a description of how previous research experience fits with the advertised fellowship; you can also specify the maximum number of pages or characters),
CV with publication list,
Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate and other relevant degrees,
Contact information for at least two reference persons,
Submit your application as a PDF marked with the reference number FS 2.1.7-1030-21, both in the file name and in the subject field of the email, to medel@diarie.umu.se. The application can be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. The application deadline is 18 June 2021.
Further information
For more information, please contact Associate professor Karina Persson, phone: +46-90-786 59 26, karina.persson@umu.se.
