Post Doc Fellowship in Single DNA Molecule Biophysics

Information about the Department of biology and biological engineering
We have approximately 150 employees, divided into four research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.
With our focus on sustainable development we work with research and education of the highest quality for improved health and a better environment.
Our department is characterized by inspiring world-leading research, in an environment of personal development and creation of new knowledge.

Information about the research group
In the “BioNanoFluidics” Group at the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden we use nanofluidic devices to study biomolecules in general and DNA in particular. Our projects range from fundamental biophysics of DNA-protein interactions to analysis of clinical DNA, for example regarding antibitoic resistance.

Information about the research project
Studies of single DNA molecules have revolutionized the understanding of how proteins interact with DNA. A plethora of techniques, including magnetic and optical tweezers have been used but they all have on common limitation. They all require the attachment of the DNA to a bead or a surface at at least one of the ends. This means that it is difficult to study processes occurring on the DNA ends and in particular processes where two DNA ends meet. There are however biological processes that are based on such interactions that until now have been impossible to study, for example regarding DNA-repair.

The focus of this Post Doc project is on studying DNA protein interactions in tailor-made nanofluidic devices with main focus on systems that are difficult to address using other single DNA molecule techniques and in particular the DNA repair pathway called non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ).

The project is a continuation of our recent papers in Small (2015, Frykholm et al) and Nucleic Acids Research (2016, Frykholm et al).

Major responsibilities
The Post Doc will work with studies of DNA-protein interactions in nanofluidic channels using fluorescence microscopy.

Key parts of the work will be:
• Fluorescence microscopy
• Design of nanofluidic devices
• Amplification and purification of tailored DNA in bacteria
• Image analysis

Position summary
The position is a personal stipend according to Chalmers rules. The position is limited to maximum 2 years (1+1) full-time research.

Qualifications
To qualify as a Post Doc, you must have a PhD degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biophysics or similar. Hands on experience with fluorescence microscopy would be beneficial but not mandatory. Knowledge of/experience with image analysis in Matlab would be beneficial but not mandatory.

Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have good collaboration skills and be able to communicate in English, both orally and in writing.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application deadline: 31 August, 2016

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Fredrik Westerlund, fredrikw@chalmers.se +46 31-772 30 49

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!