Postdoc in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to join our group of researchers that is busy exploring the huge yeast biodiversity in nature, with the aim of identifying and characterizing non-conventional yeast species with biotechnologically interesting traits. Such traits include for example the ability to grow on specific carbon sources or the capacity to produce valuable metabolites. We also work with cell factory design and development of both baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-conventional yeast species, where the strains are intended for various applications including bioproduction of fuels, chemicals and materials.

Project description
The specific aim of this two-year postdoc project is to use the non-conventional, xylose-fermenting yeast Candida intermedia as a model organism to elucidate how eukaryotic microorganisms can sense and respond to lignocellulosic sugars. This will be achieved through a combination of bioinformatic data mining and comparative genomics, phenotypic characterization of deletion mutants and transcriptomic analysis. The work will also include the development of CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing tools for this yeast species, to enable multiple, marker-free gene deletions in the same strain background. If successful, the project will generate new knowledge about carbohydrate metabolism that can be used to engineer more advanced microbial cell factories.

Information about the division and the department
At the Department of Life Sciences (LIFE), we conduct research, innovation and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. Our topics cover both basic and applied aspects of life sciences in the areas of systems biology, chemical biology, industrial biotechnology and food and nutrition science. We develop and apply cutting edge experimental and computational technologies. Our researchers are discovering how biomolecules, living cells and the whole organisms’ function and respond to the environment. Based on that knowledge, we engineer biological systems to produce foods, drugs and chemicals in an innovative and sustainable way. We also use this knowledge to pioneer new methods for prevention, diagnostic and treatment of human diseases, often in close collaboration with complementary competences from society, industry and academia. Our most important contribution to the society is the new generations of young scientists trained to be future leaders. Altogether, our department is a home to life sciences, where innovative ideas and creative people grow.

The post doc position is placed at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology within the Department of Life Sciences. The Division counts around 40 members and consists of a dynamic and international group of researchers. The common denominator of the research activities in the division is to optimize the use of renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials and other products. The research spans from fundamental research, technology development and lab-scale application, which ensures deep knowledge of the studied systems, leading to rational development and optimization of the respective applications. We discover, engineer and apply enzymes and microorganisms. The division has an extensive instrument platform for analytics, molecular biology, protein production and purification and fermentation that is fully available for the project. In addition, core facilities with advanced equipment are available within both the Department and at the University campus.

Major responsibilities
The major responsibility as a postdoc will be to pursue research within the scope of the project. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts, to write project reports and scientific manuscripts and to share your research results both in presentations at the division/department and at international conferences. A postdoc position at our division also include supervision of Bacherlor and Master students as well as taking responsibility for side tasks such as keeping the lab and instruments in good condition.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold a doctoral degree, generally not older than three years, in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or other related disciplines. Experience in yeast genetics and physiology and molecular biology techniques is required. Know-how of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9, microbial cultivation/fermentation, bioinformatics and analytical techniques are highly qualifying merits.

The successful candidate will have a good academic track record and have published several first authored papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Important qualities are enthusiasm, to be able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives and discuss/develop own ideas, be creative and have a problem-solving ability. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with other researchers and thus excellent cooperation and social abilities are important. The candidare must also be highly proficient in spoken and written English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

Application deadline: 24-02-2023