Postdoctoral position in bacterial pathogenesis and gene regulation

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.

The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics conducts research and teaching at the Faculty of Medicine. In addition to departmental grants for research and education, the department's research groups have a large number of national and international research projects with external funding. We are an international research department with employees from many different countries. The Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Umeå University, Sweden, invites applicants for a two-year Postdoctoral position in prokaryotic gene regulation. The position is expected to start in 15 Aug, 2024 or according to agreement. Application deadline is 15 May 2024. 

Description of the project

Worldwide, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori persistently infects half of the human population for a lifetime. In some individuals, the infection causes peptic ulcer disease or gastric cancer. If left untreated, the infection will persist for a lifetime, probably contributing to changes in the gastric environment. Through previous research in both in vivo and in vitro systems, we have molecularly described mechanisms that contribute to H. pylori fine-tuning of gene expression to adapt to its local environment. Using the H. pylori inflammation-associated adhesion protein SabA as model system, this project aims to further unravel the molecular mechanisms that elucidate how H. pylori responds to key environmental factors in the gastric environment. This project employs genetic, molecular biology and biochemical approaches to analyze the bacterial responses, with a significant focus on DNA-protein interactions. This research will contribute knowledge fo H. pylori regulatory mechanisms that are also is relevant and applicable in other bacterial species, particular those with small genomes and a limited set of transcriptional regulators.

Work responsibilities

The postdoctoral researcher is expected to participate in development and establishment of new methodology in the lab, actively participate in the design and execution of experiments, data analysis and to present and publish results. The successful candidate is also expected to participate in research-related activities within the research group such as group meetings, journal clubs, departmental seminars, and to participate in national and/or international meetings.

Eligibility 

A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate within biochemistry, molecular biology, biochemistry or related discipline, is eligible for appointment as postdoctoral researcher. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time at which the appointment decision is made. 

We are seeking a highly motivated applicant that has documented laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, and biochemical methods. You should have hands on experiences in molecular cloning, expression of recombinant proteins and preferable biochemical analyses of DNA-protein interactions. You should have a strong relevant research output, as evidenced by first authorship, or publications presenting ground-breaking research findings within areas that concern mechanisms that control gene expressions or host-parasite interactions. 

Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields. Good initiative ability is a requirement.

Additional useful qualifications 

Since appointment as a postdoctoral researcher is a career-development position for junior researchers, we are primarily interested in applicants who completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the application deadline. If there are special reasons, an applicant who has completed their degree earlier than that may be considered. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust for a trade union organisation or other similar circumstances, and for relevant duties/assignments within the subject area. 

Laboratory experience of using methods for studying DNA-protein interactions such as EMSA, DNase footprinting, in vitro transcription and biophysical methods are meritorious. Good knowledge in bioinformatics of large data sets is also meritorious

More information about the position

The appointment is a full-time, fixed-term position for two years in accordance with the terms of contract for fixed-term employment as a postdoctoral researcher from 1 February 2022.

More information about the group’s research can be found on our website

Please find more information about the department here.

The department is located in Chemical Biological Centre (KBC )

Anna Arnqvist Björklunds team is part of Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR )

Application

The application must include:

·         A personal cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position, how you can contribute to the project and in which direction you may want to develop it (no more than 2 A4 pages).

·         A curriculum vitae that documents academic education and past and previous employments.

·         A list with your publications.

·         A copy of the PhD certificate and other relevant degree certificates.

·         Names and contact details with e-mail addresses of two or three academic references.

·         Other relevant documentation you wish to include in support of your application.

The application must be written in Swedish or English. The application must be made via our e-recruitment system Varbi and must be received latest 15 May 2024. 

If there are questions, please contact Anna Arnqvist Björklund, [email protected] 

We are looking forward to receiving your application.