Last Date: 2023-07-06.
As a candidate, this job offers an enticing combination of working with proteins that possess significant industrial potential, collaborating on cutting-edge projects involving ML and AI, and participating in both national and international research initiatives. The opportunity to independently set up methodologies and workflows in a wet lab environment allows for scientific creativity and innovation, while the chance to develop leadership skills through project management and mentoring provides personal growth and a chance to make a meaningful impact. Overall, this position offers a unique and rewarding experience for candidates looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and progressive scientific setting.
Information about the research/the department
Situated within the Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology, a part of Chalmers University of Technology’s Department of Life Sciences, this position entails working as part of the group of Associate Professor Aleksej Zelezniak. The Zelezniak lab is an interdisciplinary research group operating at the forefront of scientific exploration, combining the power of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) with cutting-edge experimental biology techniques for studying molecular systems. A primary focus of the group is unravelling the fundamental principles of gene expression regulation.
As a research specialist in this role, you will take a leading position in conducting experimental studies for studying plastic-degrading enzymes. Your responsibilities will include generating large datasets using high-throughput assays and leveraging microfluidic and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) approaches. These datasets will be instrumental in the development of machine learning models that accurately predict and verify protein properties as required by the project objectives. You will apply directed evolution techniques utilizing microfluidics and FACS, as well as employ rational engineering strategies to enhance the plastic-degrading enzymes derived from environmental sources. These efforts will focus on exploring different plastics as substrates for degradation.
The Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology is dedicated to harnessing the potential of biological systems and innovative technologies for the conversion of biomass into diverse applications such as foods, pharmaceuticals, materials, chemicals, and fuels. The Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology (Sysbio), as one of the four divisions within the department, offers a vibrant and collaborative research environment. With researchers from over 30 countries, the department embraces a truly international atmosphere, providing ample opportunities for networking, cultural exchange, and professional growth. Nurturing the careers of young researchers is a key objective, ensuring that you will receive the support and resources necessary to flourish in your scientific journey.
In summary, the position within the Zelezniak group at the Chalmers University of Technology offers a remarkable chance to work on the cutting edge of scientific discovery, combining ML and AI with wet lab experimentation. The focus on deciphering protein expression and properties at the DNA level, particularly in the context of plastic-degrading enzymes, presents exciting research avenues. Furthermore, being part of the Department of Life Sciences and the Sysbio division provides access to a highly international and supportive research community. Embark on this transformative journey, where your skills and passion will contribute to advancing the frontiers of synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Major responsibilities
As a researcher specialising in protein engineering and molecular biology, this position requires a deep understanding of theoretical and methodological aspects of protein biochemistry, with a particular emphasis on plastic polymers. Your expertise in protein expression and purification in E. coli and yeast, coupled with your proficiency in conducting biochemical studies on purified proteins and whole cells, will be essential. In addition, your molecular engineering skills for enzyme modification and genomic engineering expertise for host cells will find its best use cases. An integral part of your responsibilities will involve utilizing microfluidics-based high-throughput sorting methods to investigate various plastic-degrading enzymes.
Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of machine learning and protein engineering, exploring innovative approaches and advancing the frontiers of both fields. Alongside your research activities, you will take on the role of supervising and managing master’s students, nurturing their scientific growth and supporting their development.
By joining this position, you will have the chance to apply your extensive knowledge in protein engineering and molecular biology to address the challenges of plastic degradation. Your involvement in diverse projects, combined with the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies and mentor emerging researchers, will enable you to make significant contributions to the field while continuously expanding your expertise.
Contract terms
Permanent employment, full time.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a PhD in Biotechnology or Biochemistry, with a specific focus on molecular engineering. A minimum of two years of postdoctoral experience, particularly in protein expression and purification, is required. The candidate should also possess proficiency in molecular engineering methodologies in both E.coli and yeast, including techniques such as CRISPR, Gibson Assembly, and GoldenGate Assembly. Familiarity with biochemical analytical instruments, such as HPLC and plate readers, is also essential.
Practical experience and advanced skills in microfluidics and flow cytometry are also compulsory for this role. It would be advantageous if the candidate has participated in international projects during their postdoctoral period. Additionally, prior success in securing grants, either as a primary applicant or co-applicant, will be preferable.
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 Ref 20230378 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.
Please follow the instructions for compiling an application for a research and teaching position at Chalmers.
Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
One page where you:
– Introduce yourself
– Describe your motivation for applying to this position and what attracts you about Chalmers
– Describe how you support your colleagues and bring about a good working environment
– Include names and full contact information of two references that we can contact
CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Family name, Ref. number)– Your CV (please see the CV guidelines).
– Include a list of publications.
Research and teaching statement: (Please name the document as: Research statement, Family name, Ref. number)One to three pages where you:
– Describe your previous research and teaching experience and focus
– State your future research and teaching goals and focus
– Describe how you complement our existing competences and how you could create synergies between our existing research groups
Required documents:
– Certificate or Diploma verifying your doctoral degree
– Verification of leave, if relevant
– Documents verifying awards and recognitions stated in your CV, leadership or teaching activities, etc, and other documents relevant to support your application
– Copies of a maximum of five relevant publications that cannot be accessed via your ORCID, Scopus ID or ResearcherID, if relevant.
Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.
Application deadline: 2023-07-06
For questions, please contact:
Aleksej Zelezniak, Associate Professor, Systems Biology, Life Sciences
[email protected]
