Researcher

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 53 500 students and 6 500 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.

The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell – what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of micro-organisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them.

The Institute is composed of the following four departments:


• The Department of Infectious Diseases
• The Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology
• The Department of Laboratory Medicine

At present, the institute has about 360 employees and approximately 450 million SEK in total assets.

Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Biomedicine, Department Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Mucin Biology Groups is recruiting a post-doctoral. Service is full-time 2 years. The laboratory uses English as the main language of communication and proficient in spoken and written English is essential. The research group currently comprises about 30 researchers, see also www.medkem.gu.se/mucinbiology/

Job assignments
Colon and the small intestine are lined by mucus layer that protects epithelial cells from contact with the bacteria. These mucus layers are different in different parts of the intestine and failing associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The main constituents of mucus are produced by goblet cells. The airways are also protected by mucus and in this case also formed from special glands. There are a total of four different gel-forming mucins and these all have both similarities and differences. The basis of the project is now to study the molecular domains of these mucins to understand how the different parts interact and how these contribute to the different properties of the mucus. The researcher shall also assist with the structural determination of bacterial proteins that bind or degrade mucins.

The work involves independently conducting projects that address different domains in the gel-forming mucins and bacterial proteins that interact with mucins. These studies shall be based on different types of structural biological and biochemical methods. In particular, the researcher should be able to work independently with the design, expression, and purification of various mucins and bacterial proteins and study these with biochemical methods (gel filtration, electrophoresis), thermophores, low angle X-ray diffraction etc. and isolate crystals, analyze them with X-ray diffraction for molecular structure. The results shall be analyzed and molecular structures modeled.

Qualifications
PhD in structural biology. The applicant must have experience as a post-doctor in mucin biology. Researcher who has extensive experience of working with structural biology. Particular emphasis is placed on the ability to work independently with studying mammalian and bacterial proteins with biochemical methods, crystallography, and solving and analyzing molecular structures. Collaboration with other researchers working with structural analysis with NMR and electron microscopy is important. Particular emphasis is also placed on the ability to independently analyze the obtained results and to use different types of modeling programs. Great emphasis is placed on the ability for collaborative work and the ability to work independently.

Employment
The employment is limited (temporary) for 2 years and full-time with placement at the Institute of Biomedicine. First day of employment as agreed.

For further information regarding the position
Please contact Professor Gunnar C. Hansson. Phone: +46 (0)31-786 3488, +46 (0) 709 490005. E-mail: gunnar.hansson@medkem.gu.se

Unions
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg:
https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-at-the-university-of-gothenburg/how-to-apply

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/en/about-the-university/welcome-services
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 selection of candidates is made on the basis of the qualifications registered in the application.

The application should contain proof of completed PhD.

Closing date: 2021-12-01

 

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.