Two postdoc positions in Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology

The Department of Biology and Biological Engineering is seeking two highly motivated postdoctoral researchers to work on projects related to yeast biotechnology and applied microbiology. You will join the Division of Industrial Biotechnology, a highly international group which since its establishment in 2008 has been very successful and now counts ~40 members.

Information about the department
The department of Biology and Biological Engineering is aiming at bridging cutting edge life science research with biochemical engineering, in order to emerge as the leading innovation center in the region. The research has broad applications in areas of health and industrial production of e.g. fine chemicals, food and energy. Powerful experimental facilities are available such as well-equipped fermenters, analytical instruments and laser-based microscopy.  The department offers highly qualified education for engineering students within the area of bioengineering. It is furthermore collaborating in broad, interdisciplinary national and international networks within academia and the industry.

Project description
The first project aims to metabolically engineer baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to express xylanolytic enzymes, which will enable fermentation of the hemicellulosic fraction of plant biomass. It also entails optimization of the microbial cultivation process to obtain yeast biomass with high fermentative capacity for downstream applications. The postdoc will work in close collaboration with researchers at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at Chalmers as well as with researchers at other European universities and industries that are part of our highly interdisciplinary project consortium. This position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

The second project will be executed in close collaboration with researchers at the University of Gothenburg and the University of Nigeria Nsukka. Here, the aim is to identify yeast strains that display multistress-tolerance and/or other phenotypes attractive to industry, which will be achieved through screening of a large collection of yeast isolates using several different high-throughput platforms. To determine the biotechnological potential of identified top-performing isolates, select yeasts will thereafter be genome sequenced and carefully characterized in terms of cell physiology and fermentation performance using bioreactors of different scales. This position is a full-time temporary employment for one year with possibility for extension.

Major responsibilities
The major responsibility as a Postdoc will be to perform research within the scope of the project and our group. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts, to write project reports and scientific manuscripts and to share your research results both in presentations at the division/department and at international conferences. A postdoc position at our division also includes supervision of Bachelor and Master students as well as taking responsibility for side tasks such as keeping the lab and instruments in good condition.

Qualifications
The candidate must hold a doctoral degree, generally not older than three years, in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or other related disciplines. Experience in yeast genetics and physiology and molecular biology techniques is required. Know-how of metabolic engineering, genetic manipulations using CRISPR/Cas9, protein secretion in yeast, bioinformatics and analytical techniques are highly qualifying merits.

The successful candidate will have a good academic track record and have published several first authored papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals. Important qualities are enthusiasm, to be able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives and discuss/develop own ideas, be creative and have a problem-solving ability. The projects are in close collaboration with other researchers and thus excellent cooperation and social abilities are important. The candidare must also be highly proficient in spoken and written English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9028

Application deadline: 22 December, 2020