Postdoc in cellular and molecular biology of ALS proteinopathy

We are seeking a motivated and independent postdoctoral researcher to study protein aggregation in cell models of ALS pathology. We have developed a fluorescent cell model that enable direct (microscopy-based) visualization of ALS-associated proteins. Your task will be to characterise and further explore this cell model to explore mechanisms underlying protein inclusion formation and prion-like propagation in this poorly understood neuromuscular and degenerative disease. You will be recruited to a developing project with opportunity to, in collaboration with others, contribute new project ideas and directions, especially towards the role of molecular chaperones and intracellular trafficking in the disease process.

Information about the research and the division
The division of Chemical Biology consists of five independent research groups and approximately 35 co-workers. Our research is interdisciplinary spanning the domains of chemistry, biology and physics. The announced position is placed in Elin Esbjörner's research group which focuses on both biophysical and cellular aspects of protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD, PD and ALS as well as on drug delivery and intracellular trafficking of vehicles that carry therapeutic mRNA.
The new postdoctoral researcher will join the "protein aggregation" part of the group and work on ALS-proteins (mainly TDP-43) in a human neuroblastoma cell model using live cell imaging tools in combination with flow cytometry and molecular biology analyses.

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

Major responsibilities
The majority of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies within the project and to collaboration with other group members. As a postdoc, you are expected to independently drive your project and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing; your are also expected to develop your own ideas to drive the project forward. The position will also include responsibility to supervise others (mainly master students) and likely some departmental work. The project offers possibilities to collaborate, both within and outside of the research group.

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

Qualifications
Candidates must hold a PhD degree in cell- and molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry or related fields.  The degree should generally not be older than three years.
You must have previous experience from protein aggregation-related research and the use of cell models to study proteinopathic processes, as well as of use of fluorescence microscopy and image analysis in this context.
We expect that you, in addition have a good general knowledge of molecular biology methods relevant to the research field and that you have previously worked with human/mammalian cells. As communication and dissemination of results is an important part of this project we also require that you have published at least two original peer-reviewed research papers as first author.
Fluency in spoken and written English is a requirement.

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 20210224 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• List of laboratory/methods skills
• Previous teaching and supervision skills
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-2 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results, specifically your studies of protein aggregation
• Describe your interest in the announced position
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

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

Application deadline: 30 May 2021

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor, Elin Esbjörner, Chemical Biology, eline@chalmers.se, 0735-131431


*** 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!