Postdoc/researcher in spatial proteomics

The position is placed in the research group of Fabien Burki (https://www.burki-lab.net/ ) within the Systematic Biology program at the Department of Organismal Biology (Evolutionary Biology Center, Uppsala University). In the Burki lab, we study the broad diversity of eukaryotes, which is mainly microbial, to understand some of the main transitions in broad eukaryote evolution such as the origin of plastids.

Project description
The Burki lab was recently awarded an ERC Consolidator grant (PlastidOrigin) that aims to study one of the most transformative events in eukaryote evolution–the origin of the photosynthetic organelles (the primary plastids) in Archaeplastida. The main aim of this postdoc/researcher position is to produce the first plastid proteomes for red algae using whole-cell spatial proteomics with the hyperLOPIT method (or alternatively LOPIT-DC). By combining this data to verified proteomes for other archaeplastids, and by searching for homologues in other eukaryotes and prokaryotes, we want to characterize the origin of plastid proteins and the size of the endosymbiotic vs non-endosymbiotic plastid proteomic fractions across archaeplastids. Depending on the expertise of the candidate, a training period may be organised abroad.

Duties
Establish the knowledge and workflow to run proteomic experiments in the lab in collaboration with a local proteomic core facility. Adapt hyperLOPIT to red algae. Bring red algal cultures to sufficient densities, and execute hyperLOPIT. Perform protein cellular location prediction by Machine Learning. Analyse the data in the context of plastid evolution. Disseminate results in appropriate formats, including leading peer-reviewed publications and conferences. Training of junior group members might also be involved, as well as other standard tasks related to a research group including providing operational support to the good functioning of the lab. The candidate should be willing to travel, for short (e.g. conference) or longer period if training is necessary.

For further information about the position, please contact: Fabien Burki, +46 18 471 2779, [email protected]