Postdoc position in industrial biotechnology and yeast engineering

We are looking for a highly motivated postdoc to join our group of researchers that work on different aspects of cell factory development, including strain engineering and high-throughput assessement of large strain libraries as well as development of synthetic biology tools to engineer and control/monitor the cell factories. We use both Baker's yeast and filamentous fungi as cell factories. We aim to improve our understanding of what makes a strain suited for industrial applications through rational design and systematic strain improvement. On the other hand we also develop and screen large strain libraries in order to find better cell factories to improve further. 

Project description
The main task of the postdoc will be to work with metabolic engineering and synthetic biology for constructing Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains for production of lactic acid and improved performance on lignocellulosic hydrolysates. The project aims to create strains and processes for complete carbon utilization and builds upon our ongoing research within the field. In this work, combinatorial genome engineering/re-wiring (using CRISPR/Cas9 and CRISPRi technologies) will be combined with high-throughput screening of strains. In the later stages of the project the focus will be on bioprocess engineering, on optimizing the production in bioreactors.

Information about the division and the department
The postdoc position is placed at the Division of Industrial Biotechnology within the Department of Life Sciences. The Division counts around 40 members and consists of a dynamic and international group of researchers. The common denominator of the research activities in the division is to optimize the use of renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals, materials and other products. The research spans from fundamental research, technology development and lab-scale application, which ensures deep knowledge of the studied systems, leading to rational development and optimization of the respective applications. We discover, engineer and apply enzymes and microorganisms. The division has an extensive instrument platform for analytics, molecular biology, protein production and purification and fermentation that is fully available for the project. In addition, core facilities with advanced equipment are available within both the Department and at the University campus.

https://www.chalmers.se/en/departments/life/research/industrial-biotechnology/

Major responsibilities
The major responsibility as a postdoc will be to pursue research within the scope of the project. 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 Bacherlor 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, Synthetic/Systems/Molecular Biology or other related disciplines. Extensive lab practice is expected. Experience in genetics of microorganisms, microbial physiology and molecular biology techniques is required. Know-how of genome editing using CRISPR/Cas9, microbial cultivation/fermentation (bioreactors and bioprocess engineering), industrial (lignocellulosic) raw materials, bioinformatics and relevant analytical techniques are highly qualifying merits. 

The successful candidate will have a good academic track record and has 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 project will be carried out 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. 

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg .
Read more about working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence . Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230240 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV:(Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-05-21

For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Yvonne Nygård, Dept. of Life Sciences, [email protected]

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 

URL to this page
https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=11689&rmlang=UK