Postdoc in Ecology, emphasis in Marine Ecology and Biochemistry

Project title

Biochemical interactions between cyanobacterial bioactive substances and bacteria in brackish waters. 

The research project focuses on biochemical interactions between bioactive metabolites produced by filamentous cyanobacteria and bacteria in the Baltic Sea. The most widely known cyanobacterial toxin - the non-ribosomal peptide (NRP) nodularin - is produced by Nodularia spumigena and is a threat to both human and animal health. Recently, other NRPs have been detected in N. spumigena that are not acutely toxic but inhibit the activity of important metabolic enzymes. Curiously, natural selection has favoured a large array of individual NRP structures, but little is known about the mode of action and biochemical interactions of these peptides. Some NRPs negatively affect plankton life, including zooplankton and fish larvae, while other NRPs might rather be signalling molecules (e.g. involved in quorum sensing-population density control) or have antibacterial properties. The project aims to evaluate the effect of different cyanobacterial bioactive substances on brackish bacteria using a combinatorial biology and chemistry approach, focusing on viability assays and computational simulations in molecular dynamics (MD). 

The position is placed at The Department of Biology and Environmental Science. Part of the research includes collaboration with both Linnaeus University Centra; Ecology and Evolution in Microbial model Systems (EEMiS) and Biomaterials Chemistry (BC).  

Applicants should have a Ph.D. (no older than 3 years) in Chemistry, experience in biochemistry, analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, micro- and cell biology. Competences in biomolecular surface interactions, peptide structure analysis, development of viability- and enzyme assays, microbial work, spectrophotometry methods (e.g. UV-VIS/FTIR) and titrations. Experience of biomolecule-surface conjugation chemistry is desirable. Knowledge on different cyanobacterial metabolites may be acquired on site. Because the project involves a collaborative partnership, strong organizational, communication, writing, and people skills are essential. 

Postdoctoral positions are limited to 2 years (100%). The position is located in Kalmar, Sweden. For further information please contact Catherine Legrand (catherine.legrand@lnu.se) or Ian Nicholls (ian.nicholls@lnu.se) +46-(0)480-446258; (contract) Head of Department Tommy Claesson (tommy.claesson@lnu.se), +46-(0)480-446238; or Personnel Officer Ulrika Petersson (ulrika.petersson@lnu.se) +46-(0)480-446996.

Union representatives may be contacted via the university switchboard at +46-772-288000.

The application (in English) should contain a CV (with telephone and e-mail), documentation of exams and grades, a description of motivation and experiences relevant to the research project, and any other documentation that the applicant would like to present. The candidates should also organize at least two letters of recommendation (with the authors, telephone number and e-mail).

Closing date for application is April 10, 2014.

 
Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.