Research assistant for studying carbohydrate

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 scientists 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 Johanneberg and on Campus Medicinareberget in Gothenburg

We are seeking a research assistant to join our group at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology & the Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine of the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, for a period of twelve months.

Milk glycans or milk oligosaccharides are a critical component of breast milk, fulfilling functions from nourishment over anti-pathogen protection to immune system modulation. Composed of complex chains of branching monosaccharides, milk oligosaccharides can be measured via mass spectrometry. We recently discovered and structurally characterized a large set of new milk oligosaccharides. Preliminary experiments into their functions have revealed potent immune system modulating properties of some of these new structures, yet much remains to be done. This work could enhance our understanding of biodiversity, carbohydrate function, and potentially serve to uncover new therapeutic candidate molecules.

This project focuses on experimentally elucidating the functions of the newly discovered carbohydrate molecules, and the structural features contained in these sequences. This subject is relevant as it relates to immunology, pathogen inhibition, and host-microbe interactions.

The research assistant will study the functions of complex milk oligosaccharides in various model systems. This will include the testing of commercial standards, milk fractions, or enriched molecules with regard to their functional impact on, for instance, immune cell signaling. Experimental techniques, among others, include mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, and RNA-seq. 

Required education, knowledge and experience, personal qualities

- Experience in working with mammalian cells

- MSc in related subject

Merit education, knowledge and experience, personal qualities

- Demonstrated knowledge in glycobiology

Fixed term during one year full time at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Daniel Bojar, e-mail: [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 2022-11-28. Your application must include: CV, personal letter, and two references.

Applications must be received by: 2022-11-28

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.