Postdoc fellowship in single-molecule nucleic acids biophysics

Information about the research and the project
This PostDoc position is a collaboration between the groups of Professor Marcus Wilhelmsson and Assoc. Professor Fredrik Westerlund. The Wilhelmsson group is active at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Division of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The division is pursuing research in bulk and down to single molecules in biophysical chemistry, biochemistry, optical spectroscopy, electrophoresis, nanotechnology, and energy/electron transfer reactions. The projects are chosen to fulfill the requirements of the highest scientific standard, and the know-how they create on a molecular level is generally of importance for solving many advanced problems as well as for future practical applications. The span of potential applications is extremely wide: from life sciences to materials sciences.

The specific goals of the Wilhelmsson research group are to develop novel probe molecules for DNA/RNA systems, new improved fluorescence methods for biochemical investigations and use fluorescent probes and techniques to study DNA/RNA-protein/ligand interactions both structurally and dynamically. The research is partly performed in close collaboration with pharmaceutical industry (AstraZeneca). For more information see homepage of the Wilhelmsson group and recent publications listed there:
https://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/marcus-wilhelmsson.aspx

The Westerlund group at the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering uses nanofluidic devices to study biomolecules in general and DNA in particular. The group's projects range from fundamental biophysics of DNA-protein interactions to analysis of clinical DNA, for example diagnostics of antibiotic resistance. For more information see homepage of the Westerlund group and recent publications listed there: https://www.chalmers.se/en/Staff/Pages/fredrik-westerlund.aspx

The postdoctoral fellow will investigate DNA and RNA using single-molecule biophysical techniques and in particular an optical tweezers setup specifically designed to stretch short DNA molecules. More specifically the fellow will utilize base-modified nucleic acids to increase the understanding regarding the intramolecular forces of nucleic acids (pi-stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobicity). Secondary structures of DNA and RNA (B- and A-form duplexes) to the more complex tertiary structures of RNA will be investigated. Moreover, interactions between nucleic acids and proteins, in particular proteins involved in DNA repair, will be monitored using the same mini-tweezer setup. Complementary single molecule and bulk techniques will also be used.

Major responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow is expected to provide state-of-the-art knowledge in the single-molecule nucleic acid biophysics research area and to take a lead at the division in the utilization and methodology development of the nucleic acid mini-tweezer equipment.

Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in a relevant field; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in Swedish and English. If Swedish is not your native language, you should be able to teach in Swedish on undergraduate level after two years. Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Meritorius expertise includes:
Single molecule biophysics focused on nucleic acids
Optical tweezers
Biophysical chemistry
Chemistry and biology of nucelic acids


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 here

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

Application deadline: 5 April 2020

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Marcus Wilhelmsson Dept of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering
Prof. Fredrik Westerlund, Dept of Biology and Biological Engineering
Karolin Frykholm, Dept of Biology and Biological Engineering

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***