PhD student position in Systems Metabolic Engineering

Project description
Microbial cell factories can be explored to address critical societal challenges in environment, energy and health. This PhD project will focus on developing novel synthetic genetic toolkits and systems biological approaches for effectively rewiring cellular metabolism. The aim is to develop efficient cell factories for production of next-generation of biochemicals and materials.

Information about the division and the department
The division of Systems and Synthetic Biology at the Chalmers University of Technology is one of the leading research groups within systems biology of metabolism. Our research interests involve a wide range of activities from the fundamental understanding of metabolism operation principles and studies of metabolic diseases, to highly applied research directed towards the development of new cell factories for the production of valuable chemicals.

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. In this PhD project, you will focus on metabolic engineering of yeast for production of valuable chemicals. You will use genetic tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 to manipulate yeast metabolism, and use systems biology methods to characterize the resultant strains. You will investigate how different techniques can be integrated to perform genome-wide optimization and increase the production of targeted compounds in yeast. You will be expected to communicate your results in different settings, from meeting with supervisors and collaborators, to presentations at the research division and at international conferences. In addition, you will be expected to develop your scientific writing skills in articles for publication in scientific journals.

The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising undergraduate and master's students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold a Master of Science degree or at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Molecular Biology, Microbial Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology or similar). Experience of laboratory work and fluency in verbal and written English are mandatory. Meriting experiences include demonstrated work with yeast, microbial cultivation in benchtop bioreactors, genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9. Importantly, the candidate is self-motivated, enthusiastic and creative.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

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

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 20230037 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: 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. 

Application deadline: 28-02-2023

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Yun Chen, Systems and Synthetic Biology
E-mail: yunc@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 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!