Postdoc position in Water Filtration using Aquaporins

This postdoc position will offer you the possibility to use your existing skills in protein research and apply them to develop novel water purification filters. The work will be performed in a dedicated team of experienced researchers with complementary backgrounds and includes the possibility to formulate new materials and have them evaluated for applications. If you are a creative and curious person wanting to take part in the future development of water purification using bio-mimicry, this is the position for you.

Project description
In this postdoc position, you will join the activities at the division of Applied Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The division has an applied focus with emphasis on the development of new materials. In this project, you will work on developing a new type of filter for desalination applications (reversed osmosis). The main focus will be to optimize the production of aquaporin proteins using yeast (Pichia pastoris) and to develop a methodology where the yeast cell wall may be directly used as an active component in the filter. The protein containing membrane will then be immobilized in porous silica for increased stability. A filter matrix will be introduced in order to utilize these silica-stabilized membranes in reverse osmosis applications. You will develop and assess matrix materials with respect to vesicle incorporation and desalination performance with the aim of developing desalination membranes that are more energy-efficient and selective for water compared to present standards.

Major responsibilities
During your postdoc, you will communicate the results from your project by publishing articles in relevant peer-reviewed international scientific journals and by participating in national and international meetings and conferences. Within the daily work as a postdoc, our ambition is that you find variation and interact with not only other postdoctoral fellows, but also undergraduate students, PhD students, senior researchers and professors.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue the research project and the position will be dedicated towards scientific research. There might be possibilities for teaching activities, but not required. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English.

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

Qualifications
The most important qualification is your desire to devotedly conduct interdisciplinary research at the crossroads between biology and materials chemistry. You have a PhD in bio chemistry, biology, or equivalent, the degree should generally not be older than three years. You appreciate to work experimentally, but also with theoretical tools. Previous experience working with protein production and purification is necessary.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9774


Application deadline: 30 September, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Professor Martin Andersson, Applied Chemistry
martin.andersson@chalmers.se