Postdoctoral researcher in vaccine development

The School of Sciences and Technology is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in vaccine development for a fixed-term appointment.

Subject area
The position is in Biology or Chemistry. 

Background
Global epidemics of infectious diseases have often successfully been controlled and even eradicated by the development of vaccines distributed through effective vaccination programs. Microorganisms causing infectious diseases are constantly emerging and re-emerging which highlights the need to develop new and improved vaccines.

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Duties and responsibilities
The appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is intended to enable persons who have recently been awarded their doctoral degree, to consolidate and develop primarily their research skills. The applicant will be involved in genetic engineering (e.g. synthetic gene development, PCR and molecular cloning) for developing protein antigen production platforms, primarily in plants. Plant transformation/transfection using different expression systems, optimization of protein production, evaluation of results and keeping and caring of the experimental plants is also included in the tasks of the successful applicant. Techniques involve for instance Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer, protein purification using the ÄKTA system, and protein analysis using Western blotting and other techniques. The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the other researchers and industrial partners within the project.

Eligibility
Eligible for the appointment as postdoctoral researcher are applicants holding a doctoral degree in plant biochemistry, plant molecular biology, plant biotechnology, or molecular farming. The doctoral degree should have been awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Candidates who have obtained their doctoral degree prior to that may however also be considered if special grounds exist (leave of absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical duties, an elected position in a trade union, or other similar circumstances).

Assessment criteria
General assessment criteria include good interpersonal skills and an ability to cooperate, as well as the ability and suitability otherwise required to perform the duties well. Particular importance shall be attached to the qualities enabling the candidate to contribute to the future development of both research and education. A demonstrated ability and desire to pursue an academic career is also of importance.

Preferably, you have experience with vaccine development and have skills using molecular cell biological, biochemical and immunological techniques, including Agrobacterium-based gene transfer in plants. Also, you need to be able to single-handedly keep and care for plants such as Arabidopsis and tobacco. Previous research activities within plant biotechnology, molecular farming, protein production and purification, and mucosal immunology is of special interest. Since the project will be conducted in close collaborations with industrial partners and other researchers, a cooperative mindset is of utmost importance. The applicant should also be highly organized, be able to meet deadlines, have a clear sense of responsibility, and be goal oriented. The applicant shall also be fluent in oral and written English.

Information
The position is a full-time position for a fixed term of two years. The salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

For more information, please contact Professor Åke Strid via E-mail; ake.strid@oru.se, or Magnus Johansson (Phone +46-73 704 84 85); E-mail: developvaccines@oru.se

Örebro University actively pursues an equal work environment and values the qualities that diversity adds to our operations.

Application
The application is made online. Click the button “Apply” to begin the application procedure.

For the application to be complete, the following electronic documents must be included:


• A covering letter, outlining how you believe you can contribute to the continued development of the research in the field of vaccine development and Örebro University.
• CV with a relevant description of your overall qualifications and experience and contact details of at least three references
• An account of research/artistic qualifications
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references verifying eligibility and criteria met
• Scientific publications for consideration (maximum of 10) (Not only publication list.)

Only documents written in Swedish, English, Norwegian or Danish can be reviewed.

The application deadline is November 15, 2020. We look forward to receiving your application!

We decline any contact with advertisers or recruitment agencies in the recruitment process.

As directed by the National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet), Örebro University is required to deposit one file copy of the application documents, excluding publications, for a period of two years after the appointment decision has gained legal force.