Researcher in biology, specializing in microbiology

Orebro University is seeking a Researcher in biology, specializing in microbiology to the project Improving sensory perception by altering oral microbiota.

Background
Örebro University has the vision to be a prominent university that is leading towards a knowledge-driven society. Characterised by its continuing progress in education and research, its core values are scientific rigour, dedication and participation.

The focus area of Food and Health is a major interdisciplinary research programme undertaken by the University over the five-year period 2017–2022, and it covers a range of research fields at the University. As part of this initiative, we are now recruiting a researcher for an interdisciplinary research project.

This opening is for a researcher in biology at the Life Science Centre at the School of Science and Technology. The successful candidate will work in close association with Culinary Arts and Meal Science and the Centre for Applied Autonomous Sensor Systems (AASS).

Duties and responsibilities
Duties and responsibilities mainly consist of research on oral microbiota and its role in taste perception. The aim of the project is to understand if oral microorganisms influence taste perception in order to promote healthy eating and nutritional intake.

Tasks will include working in a trans-disciplinary consortium focused on microbiology, sensory perception and machine learning. It will involve working with participants on taste and sensory perception panels, metagenomic analysis of oral microbiota, bioinformatics and machine learning for pattern recognition. The project will include managing an intervention study that will involve recruiting human subjects, evaluating their taste sensitivity, collecting oral samples, conducting metagenomic and metabolomic analysis, performing machine learning algorithms and compiling data.

The researcher is expected to spend at least three per cent of their working hours on public engagement activities. Up to a maximum of 10% teaching may also be included if available.

Qualifications
To be eligible for a position as a researcher the successful candidate should have obtained a doctoral degree in either biological sciences, biomedicine, or food microbiology. The candidate should have competence in microbiology, molecular biology and bioinformatics, and an interest or experience in food microbiology, sensory perception of foods and machine learning.

Assessment criteria
Particular importance shall be attached to the qualities enabling the candidate to contribute to the future development of both research and education. The candidate’s demonstrated ability and desire to pursue an academic career are also of significance, as are their proficiency and suitability in cooperating with other members of staff and contributing to the development of the department’s activities.

We attach particular importance to the applicant’s proven competence and demonstrated independence regarding microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics methods. Candidates shall also have experience in working with bacteriology and genomics. In addition, experience and/or aptitude in computational biology is considered an advantage. Proficiency in written and spoken English is a requirement. General assessment criteria include good communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to cooperate in an interdisciplinary consortium. The applicant should also be able to perform their duties independently.

Information
The position is for a fixed term of 6 months with possibility of extension for 6 months. The starting date is January 2021. The salary depends on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience.

 For more information about the position, contact Professor Jana Jass, email: jana.jass@oru.se

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:


• Covering letter
• CV with a relevant description of overall qualifications and experience
• An account of research qualifications
• Copies of relevant course/degree certificates and references
• Scientific publications for consideration (maximum of 10)

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

The application deadline is 11 December 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.