Research assistant position in engineering of yeast and filamentous fungi

Information about the division and research
The Research assistant position is placed at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology within the Department of Life Sciences at Chalmers University of Technology. The Industrial Biotechnology group is a dynamic and international group of researchers, counting 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. 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 as well as bioelectrochemical systems.

Job description
The main task of the project assistant will be to work with developing and screening yeast and filamentous fungal strains. Strains will be developed through metabolic engineering combined with classical strain development techniques. The strains will be evaluated for growth on various media and for their capability to produce aromatic biochemicals. Constructed strains will be screened using high-throughput methods such as microwell and microbioreactor cultivations and evaluated in shaking flask cultivations. The project assistant is also expected to assist with data analysis and bioinformatics related tasks.

Contract terms
The position a full-time, temporary employment for 12 months.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold a BSc degree in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Bioinformatics, Synthetic, Systems or Molecular Biology, Microbiology or other related disciplines. The successful candidate has a vast knowledge and practical experience with molecular biology and cultivation of microorganisms. Furthermore, some knowledge and experience in bioinformatics and data analysis is required. Experience in working with yeast and/or filamentous fungi and modular cloning is 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 collaborate with others while working independently. You need to take own initiatives, discuss/develop your own ideas and enjoy solving problems. Presenting your data for the research team and proper documentation of experiments performed is a pre-requisite. Good communication skills in English are required.

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
The application should be marked with Name, 20240290 and be attached as PDF files, as below:

CV

Personal letter

Other documents (optional):
• Copies of completed education, grades etc. Two references that we can contact should be provided at a possible interview.

Please use the button at the bottom of the page to reach the application form. We do not accept applications sent by email.

Application deadline: 2024-05-31

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Yvonne Nygård, Dept. of Life Sciences, 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!