Postdoc position in bioinorganic chemistry with focus on copper-proteins

We are looking for a postdoc with expertise in copper-protein chemistry that will focus on mechanistic research related to putative roles of copper-proteins in cancer and neurodegeneration. The work will involve in vitro biophysical/bioinorganic studies, but may also extend to investigations in cells. The new postdoc will join a small research group, currently four members plus the PI, in which we support each other to reach scientific success. There will be freedom to develop the research in the candidate's desired direction and new ideas are welcome.

Information about the research and division
The research in the division of Chemical Biology utilizes and develops protein engineering, synthetic chemistry, and state-of-the-art biophysical methods (spectroscopy, live cell imaging, nanotechnology etc.) to address cutting-edge questions in biology to meet medical challenges related to human health. We have excellent resources in terms of common as well as unique spectroscopy and imaging instrumentation. Our joint expertise is complementary and spans from single-molecule molecular biophysics to cell biology.

The research in the group of Wittung-Stafshede focuses on questions regarding amyloid formation and its modulation, as well as mechanisms for how metal ions are delivered to metal-dependent enzymes by specific metal-transport proteins. In most studies, recombinant proteins are probed by biophysical methods such as circular dichroism, linear dichroism, fluorescence, stopped-flow mixing, Biacore, microscopy and calorimetry in combination with biochemical experiments and activity assays. Most of our target proteins are prepared by E coli over-expression, but some current work also involves in-cell work, such as in cancer and neuronal cells.

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

Major responsibilities
As a step to build further expertise in the group, Wittung-Stafshede is looking for a postdoc that will provide knowledge on bioinorganic chemistry, especially copper-protein research, that will work on projects involving mechanisms of copper-binding proteins in cancer (e.g., Atox1, Memo1) and the role of copper in function and dysfunction of amyloidogenic proteins, such as alpha-synuclein. This also involves looking for putative roles of redox chemistry (e.g., reactive oxygen species formation). The person will also contribute to other ongoing research projects and supervise e.g., exam project students. The exact focus of the research will be developed by the candidate and the PI together, with room for flexibility and new ideas. In our research, we are open to using new techniques and systems. Thus knowledge of complementary methods such as mass spectrometry, NMR, FTIR, confocal imaging, mammalian cell culture handling, and EPR is favorable.

For all postdoc at Chalmers
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as 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).

Qualifications
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in biochemistry/bioinorganic chemistry, in which research was focused on metals in combination with biomolecules, such as proteins or peptides. The degree should generally not be older than three years.
The candidate should have published peer-reviewed papers in this research area and contributed to writing them. Previous postdoc research is meritorious.
An international profile is desired, meaning having spent time working in different labs in different countries. Good communication skills in written and spoken English are required.
Independent successful grant applications provide an advantage, as is presentations at international conferences. The applicant must have good capacity to work independently as well as in a team, be solution-oriented as well as flexible. The applicant must have a curious mind, and be driven to find and solve scientific questions. Experience with amyloidgenic proteins, copper-binding proteins, biophysical techniques, spectroscopy, redox reaction analysis (via spectroscopy and electrochemical means) is needed. Previous hands-on handling of Atox1, other copper-transport proteins, and amyloidogenic proteins such as alpha-synuclein is desired. A molecular-mechanistic view of research is expected.

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.

More about the application procedure 

Application deadline: 15 March 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor, Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, pernilla.wittung@chalmers.se, 0766072283

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