Staff scientist position at the Protein Expertise Platform (PEP)

Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.

The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.

Project description

Umeå University is offering a full-time position at the Protein Expertise Platform (PEP) within the Department of Chemistry (https://www.umu.se/en/research/infrastructure/pep/). The PEP is a core facility at the Chemical Biology Centre and is a node within the Protein Production Sweden (PPS), a national infrastructure that provides various services including cloning, recombinant protein expression, and high-quality protein purification and production in various expression systems, such as E. coli, baculovirus/insect cells, yeast, plant cells, and mammalian cells. PPS is also dedicated to problem-solving and the development of new protein production methods.

. PPS primarily serves academic research groups at Swedish universities but also collaborates with foreign universities and companies.

Work tasks
Practical laboratory work  within PEP/PPS will include construct design, the application of various cloning techniques, intruduction of (point) mutations, planning of synthetic genes, protein expression in  E. coli cell cultures and and protein purificationsusing various  techniques. Additionally, the work includes  documentation for customer billing of customers and the preparation of solutions and materials for sale. Communication and problem solving in consultation with users are key aspects of the daily work.

Qualifications

We are looking for a person with a PhD in biology, molecular biology or biochemistry. Documented, extensive professional experience with cloning, protein production, and purification by chromatography is required. The position requires the ability to plan and work independently, with high standards on thoroughness , responsibility, and customer oriented service thinking. As part of PEP/PPS, you need to be able to handle multiple tasks in parellel and should enjoy laboratory work.

Given that English is used for all documentation and much of the communication with our customers, proficiency in English and excellent communication skills and teamwork are essential. Technical skills and personal attributes will be of significant importance for the application. Experience with sterile techniques and working with plants, plant cell suspensions, yeast, or mammalian cells is highly advantageous. Postdoctoral experience and a publication record in the field are also considered merits.

Application

The application should include:

• Personal letter, outlining your specific qualifications and motivation for applying for this position (Max 1 A4).
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of the PhD degree
• Contact information for two references
• Applications must be submitted via our e-recruitment system Varbi no later than 26 August, 2024.

Terms of employment

This is a full-time, permanent position, with a probationary period that may be applied. Starting date by agreement.

Information

For further information, please contact Associate Professor Uwe Sauer, mobile: +46 70-635 1803, email: [email protected] .

The Department of Chemistry is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and Technology with approximately 200 employees, of which approximately 50 doctoral students, and a strong and expanding research. The Department has three major research areas: Biological Chemistry, Environmental and Biogeochemistry, and Technical Chemistry. We are also a strong partner in the KBC, Chemical-Biological Center. Information about the postgraduate education can be found on the Faculty of Science and Technology website: 

www.umu.se/en/faculty-of-science-and-technology/education/doctoral-studies/chemistry/ .  

For more information about working at Umeå University,  

https://www.umu.se/en/work-with-us/  

We look forward to receiving your application!