Postdoctoral fellow in bacterial proteomic analysis

The University of Gothenburg tackles society’s challenges with diverse knowledge. 56 000 students and 6 600 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future.

The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focuses on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and in the environment.

We address important societal issues such as antibiotic resistance, cancer, brain diseases, environmental problems and climate change. In this way, we contribute to achieving the UN’s global goals for sustainable development in the areas of good health and well-being, sustainable energy for all, sustainable cities and communities, and combating climate change.

The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, and contributes strongly to the University of Gothenburg’s top ranking in life science.

The department is responsible for postgraduate education in the subject area Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology and educational science. In addition, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics and systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as prescription education. The department collaborates with various societal actors such as schools, business and authorities. The Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology has around 200 employees. We are located in central premises both on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that chronically colonizes the stomach of almost half the world’s population and that can cause ulcers and gastric cancer. H. pylori’s resistance to antibiotics is rapidly increasing and more knowledge is needed in terms of virulence and colonization mechanisms and the bacterial interaction with the gastric mucosa. The Kaisa Thorell group is studying H. pylori and host-microbe interaction focusing on bioinformatic analysis of bacterial omics data. We study large datasets of for example whole genome sequences of bacteria from different parts of the world and with different level of disease association and also work with characterization of bacterial isolates and their interaction with human cells using RNA-seq, proteomics, glycomics, and other large scale data analyses. Dr Thorell was recently appointed as a fellow within the Swedish Data Driven Life Science (DDLS) program and the project will be performed within the DDLS framework.

The focus of the position will be to work with proteomic and glycoproteomic characterization of Helicobacter pylori with emphasis on an ancient ecospecies of H. pylori that we recently identified in regions of high gastric cancer risk (Tourrette, …Thorell, Falush. BioRxiv, 2024). The candidate will be responsible for mass spectrometry data analysis of proteins and glycans, including comparative proteomics. The work will be performed in close collaboration with the Proteomics Core Facility at University of Gothenburg, the national BioMS node for glycoproteomics and the group of Dr. Daniel Bojar at the same institution, experts in glycan analysis. We will mainly focus on outer membrane proteins involved in host-microbe interaction including microbial adhesion and the role of protein and glycosylation diversity for the ability to bind host glycans and other ligands. The project is performed in collaboration with several leading international groups in the field and depending on the candidate there is opportunity for exchange to other institutions.  

Requirements for the position are:

• A doctoral degree or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made.
• As a person you are strongly motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively with well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• You have documented experience within the proteomics/mass spectrometry field with emphasis on data analysis.
• You have a background of experimental and/or advanced data analysis within life science, supported by a publication record.
• For the position, it is required that you have very good oral and written communication skills in English in your daily work.

Meritorious for the position are:

• Experience in comparative genomics or proteomics.
• The ability to represent the research group at national and international conferences and workshops
• Pedagogical knowledge and interest in supervision.

The group is young with engaged and ambitious colleagues as well as a creative, international and dynamic working environment. We have strong emphasis on cooperation, and where you will have the possibilities of taking part in and contribute with your experience to several other projects.

The applicant is expected to contribute to the research profile of the group. Ability to attract funding, a good publication record and experience of international collaborations is a merit.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal suitability and ability to collaborate. 

Fixed term during two years full time (100%) at the Department of Chemistry and MolecularBiology. 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Kaisa Thorell, +46(0)703-212946, [email protected]

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande  

To apply for a position at the University of Gothenburg, you have to create an account in our recruitment system. Submit your application via the University of Gothenburg’s recruitment portal by clicking the “Apply” button. It is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete as per the vacancy notice, and that the University receives it by the final application deadline. 

The application must include:

– CV including publication record and a description of your involvement in three selected publications.

– Personal letter describing why you are applying for the position.

– Contact details to two references.

Applications must be received by: 2024-06-11

The University works actively to achieve a working environment with equal conditions, and values the qualities that diversity brings to its operations.

Salaries are set individually at the University.

In accordance with the National Archives of Sweden’s regulations, the University must archive application documents for two years after the appointment is filled. If you request that your documents are returned, they will be returned to you once the two years have passed. Otherwise, they will be destroyed.

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.