Postdoctoral fellow in detection of viruses in water

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 49 000 students and 6 400 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

 

Subject area
Detection of viruses in water

Subject area description
Water is a vehicle for many pathogens, including viruses. Most viruses in water are not pathogenic for humans or other vertebrates. However, some viruses may infect humans via the fecal-oral route by consumption of infected food or water. Our group has been studying viral human pathogens in water since 2013. We have identified several viruses in in wastewater and shown that their concentrations may reflect the number of infected individuals in a certain geographic area. In preliminary studies, we have also identified viruses in the water that via different purification steps will become tap water and ultimately consumed by humans. This study will focus on detection and infectivity of human pathogenic viruses after different purification steps of raw water to become drinking water and in the outlet from the treatment plant, from which it is deposited into surrounding waters.

Job assignments
The work will include several laboratory techniques, some of which are already in place, while others will be developed during the project. Viruses in up to 50,000 L of water will be concentrated by binding onto a charged filter, through which the water passes at a fixed flow. Nucleic acids from viruses will be extracted from the filter and quantified by qPCR, sequenced by Next generation Sequencing and verified by cycle sequencing. Viruses will be amplified in cell cultures and used as indicator viruses, quantified and sequenced. Techniques used will be molecular biological techniques as exemplified above, cell culture, virus isolation, and several practical steps for building pilot plants in the laboratory. 

Eligibility
An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in an area relevant to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor mainly aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application.

The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Assessment
Assessment of the competence for this position will be based on knowledge regarding cell culture; virus isolation, concentration of viruses in water and molecular techniques, including RT-PCR and NGS. The applicant must have a PhD involving virology or viral infections. The candidate needs profound experience, especially regarding cell culture and virus isolation. Excellent skills in collaboration and constructive thinking are also very important.

Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

Employment
The employment is full time and temporary, two years, with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information:
Please contact: Kristina Nyström, associate professor,  tel no 073-5054093, e-mail:Kristina.nystrom@microbio.gu.se; or Heléne Norder, professor, tel no 070-2791999, e-mail: Helene.norder@gu.se 

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg: http://www.gu.se/english/about_the_university/job-opportunities/union-representatives

Information for International Applicants
Choosing a career in a foreign country is a big step. Thus, to give you a general idea of what we and Gothenburg have to offer in terms of benefits and life in general for you and your family/spouse/partner please visit:

https://www.gu.se/english/welcomeservices/staff
https://www.movetogothenburg.com/

How to apply
In order to apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to register an account in our online recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The application should contain:

- A cover letter giving a brief description of previous research experience, and a motivation to why you are applying

- A CV including a list of publications

- Proof of completed PhD

- Contact details of two references

 

The University of Gothenburg promotes equal opportunities, equality and diversity.

Salary is determined on an individual basis.

Applications will be destroyed or returned (upon request) two years after the decision of employment has become final. Applications from the employed and from those who appeal the decision will not be returned.

 


In connection to this recruitment, we have already decided which recruitment channels we should use. We therefore decline further contact with vendors, recruitment and staffing companies.