PhD student position in biochemistry

Are you interested in how enzymes could be used to break down the polymers that surround the cells of microorganisms? In this PhD project, we will study new enzymes in both fundamental and applied settings. The project will be performed together with experienced researchers from several universities, and is a great opportunity for both developing collaborative skills and doing cutting-edge research.

Information about the research/the project/the division
The project is focused on studying uncharacterized enzymes that could enable specific deconstruction of microbial polymers, especially those created by pathogenic microorganisms. The enzymes will be biochemically and structurally characterized using a variety of techniques, to provide a fundamental understanding of their properties. The long-term goal is to develop methods to utilize these enzymes for antimicrobial purposes. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council.

The Division of Industrial Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary and highly international group of researchers established in 2008, currently composed of around 45 members. The research in the division revolves around microbiology and fermentation, enzymology, and molecular biology, with a general focus of using renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals and materials. A large variety of scientific instruments are available in our shared laboratory facilities, and in addition several core facilities are available at the university and its close vicinity. The Department of Biology and Biological Engineering (BIO) includes three additional research divisions, and collaboration between these is encouraged.

-The details of the departmental research activities may be found here.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will be responsible for the daily management of your research project, including planning, performing experiments and critically analyzing your results. The work includes cloning, protein production and purification, enzyme kinetics and analysis of enzyme reaction products. Structural biology using X-ray crystallography may also be part of the work. You will be expected to communicate your results in different settings, from meetings with supervisors and collaborators, to presentations at the research division and at international conferences. Additionally, you will be expected to develop your scientific writing skills in articles for publication in scientific journals.

As a Chalmers PhD student, you will also be expected to teach on Chalmers' undergraduate level courses or performing other departmental duties corresponding up to 20 per cent of working hours, and attend courses both in subjects directly related to your research and in general "soft" skills such as project management, teaching and writing. At the Division level, you will take part in the general maintenance of instruments and will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and BSc students. 

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a Master of Science or at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, Microbiology or similar). Basic microbiological/biochemical laboratory experience and fluency in verbal and written English are mandatory.

Demonstrated skills in molecular biology, protein production and purification, enzymology, microbiological cultivation techniques, and/or analytics are meritorious.
 
Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20200622 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• 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 experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped).

Application deadline: 15 January 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Johan Larsbrink, Industrial Biotechnology, johan.larsbrink@chalmers.se, 031-7723839

*** 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 conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!