Postdoc in yeast cell factory design and production of biochemicals

Information about the research/the project/the division
The Postdoc position is placed at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology within the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at Chalmers University of Technology. The Industrial Biotechnology group is a young, dynamic and international group of researchers established in 2008 and counts now around 45 members. The common denominator of the research activities in the group is to optimize the use of renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals and materials within the main concept of biorefinery. The research performed within the group spans from fundamental research, technology development and lab-scale application: this ensures deep knowledge of the studied systems, leading to rational development and optimization of the respective applications. The research fields include production of biofuels and chemicals via fermentation and enzymatic refining of biomass and bioelectrochemical systems.

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

Major responsibilities
The main task of the postdoc will be to apply modern synthetic biology tools to engineer Saccharomyces cerevisiae to be used as a cell factory for production of organic acids. The developed cell factories will be used for production of biochemicals from lignocellulosic hydrolysate. In this work, combinatorial genome engineering/re-wiring (using CRISPR/Cas9 technologies) will be combined with high-throughput screening of strains. Successful applicants will be responsible for the design, construction and testing of yeast strains. In the later stages of the project the focus will be on bioprocess engineering, on optimizing the production in bioreactors. 

For all postocs at Chalmers
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes 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).

Starting time: 1.11 or according to agreement. The position will be filled as soon as there is a suitable candidate.


Qualifications
The candidate must hold a PhD degree in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Synthetic, Systems or Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related disciplines. The successful candidate has a vast knowledge on molecular biology and extensive lab practice. He/She has a deep understanding of microbial (preferably yeast) metabolism and hands-on experience with metabolic engineering (preferably of Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Furthermore, some knowledge in running bioreactor cultivations and bioinformatics is a merit. Experience in working with screening, yeast physiology and fermentation of lignocellulosic hydrolysates is also a merit.

Most importantly, the candidate is self-motivated, enthusiastic and creative. To be successful in this position, you need to be well-organized and able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives, discuss/develop own ideas and enjoy solving problems. The project is in collaboration with other researchers thus excellent cooperation and social abilities are highly important. 

Good communication skills in English are required. The successful candidate will have a good academic track record and have published first authored papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.

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 20200472 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
• 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 and why you would be suitable for the position
• 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: 13 November 2020. The position will be filled as soon as there is a suitable candidate.

For questions, please contact:
Asst. Prof. Yvonne Nygård, Dept. of Biology and Biological Engineering - Industrial Biotechnology, yvonne.nygard@chalmers.se  

*** 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!