Postdoc in Molecular Cell Biology/Biochemistry of Aging

In this Post-Doc position in Mikael Molin's research group your work will contribute to the understanding of molecular mechanisms of aging and age-related disease. More specifically you will investigate the contribution of peroxiredoxins, conserved antioxidants, signaling modulators and chaperones, to the ability of reduced caloric intake to slow down age-related deterioration in a simple model organism. You will help advance world-leading, state-of-the-art research at the nexus of Molecular Cell Biology and Systems Biology with a large potential for high-impact publications and for follow-up studies in mammals.

Information about the division and research
The Post-Doc position is placed in the vibrant and successful Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology, that is part of the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers.

The research group of Mikael Molin has in later years pioneered the molecular understanding of aging by pin-pointing several key roles of the ROS hydrogen peroxide in signaling impinging on aging. Instrumental effectors of the surprising, beneficial effects of this reactive molecule in slowing down aging are the enigmatic peroxiredoxins. Peroxiredoxins function as antioxidants, signaling modulators and molecular chaperones. Our recent studies in delineating the molecular foundations of peroxiredoxin function are further highlighted in the links below:

https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/bio/news/Pages/Cell-ageing-can-be-slowed-by-oxidants.aspx
https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/bio/news/Pages/Versatile-enzymes-prevent-protein-aggregation.aspx
https://www.forskning.se/2019/07/02/att-bromsa-aldrandet-inte-langre-science-fiction/#

We use a broad spectrum of Molecular Cell Biology, Systems Biology and Biochemistry tools to further the understanding the impact of hydrogen peroxide-signaling and peroxiredoxins on aging. The division has an extensive instrument platform for analytics, molecular biology, protein production and purification which are all available for the project. In addition, core facilities with advanced equipment for metabolomics, proteomics and microscopy are available at the department, the campus and the neighbouring University of Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
As a Post-Doc you will conduct experimental work and data analysis aiming to clarify the impact of peroxiredoxins on protein synthesis and aging. Major research tasks include surveying the many potential downstream effectors of hydrogen peroxide signaling on protein synthesis revealed by a recent extensive targeting of cysteine-thiols in the protein synthesis machinery (Topf U et al, Nat Commun, 2018), for effects on peroxiredoxin-related traits relevant in aging. This knowledge needs to be integrated with our unpublished global efforts and with ongoing studies investigating the impact of peroxiredoxins on human neurodegenerative disease-relevant proteins.

The position includes supervision of undergraduate students to a certain extent as well as local, national and international collaboration. You will be expected to regularly present data in different forums including scientific conferences, meetings and seminars as well as to write manuscripts and apply for (minor) funding. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
You should have a PhD in Molecular Cell Biology, Microbiology or a related discipline. Extensive hands-on research experience in the fields of Molecular biology, Molecular Genetics, Cell Biology and Microbiology, are considered an advantage. Special emphasis will be given to qualifications in RNA analysis, studies of protein synthesis, aging and the defence against ROS in yeast, especially regarding the function of redox metabolism and redox signaling in these processes.

You need to be motivated, self-propelled, able to withstand stress, quality conscious and possess excellent technical abilities. You should be able to set up new experimental procedures and be good in finding solutions to technical problems. Cooperation is important for the position and therefore good social, interpersonal skills are important. Furthermore, you should have good analytical skills, a keen interest in the interpretation of complex data and an excellent ability to summarize and report results. An ability to work in teams and a drive for own development are also important. Good communication skills in both spoken and written English are a requirement.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210396 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
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

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

Application deadline: 25 September, 2021

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