Research Engineer, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Ref. No. SU FV-0636-23

at the Department of Environmental Science . Closing date: 28 February 2023.

The Department of Environmental Science (ACES) is one of the biggest departments at the Faculty of Science. The Department is divided into four units with more than 170 staff from over 30 countries. Research and teaching focus on chemical contaminants, atmospheric science, biogeochemistry and (eco)toxicology. As an employee of the Department of Environmental Science, you will be part of a dynamic environment with basic and applied research and a strong international profile.

The Department has several research groups broadly addressing the hazardous potential of contaminants in biota. In the Exposure and Effects Unit (ACESx), we work on various issues related to exposure and the effects of chemical contaminants and other relevant stressors on living organisms, from the molecular level up to the functioning of entire ecosystems. Our toxicological laboratories span two sites, one at the Frescati Campus and another at SciLifeLab. Our studies integrate monitoring, experimental and modelling approaches to improve data use for decision-making and risk management. We work closely with national and international regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.

One of our core activities is to develop and apply methods for analyzing the impacts of pollutants and other stressors using biochemical and molecular markers, bioassays, and other effect-based methods. These methods are applied in experimental studies in human and animal cell lines and various test species. Moreover, they are used in biological effect monitoring in the Baltic Sea to provide the environmental status assessment in this system and decision-support tools to our stakeholders, such as the Swedish EPA and HELCOM.

Main responsibilities
The primary responsibility is to maintain facilities for analytical work on biochemical and molecular markers in model cells lines and organisms for (eco)toxicology, and to run these facilities in collaboration with the current needs of the research groups in the unit and the Department. Specific responsibilities and expectations include the following:

• Taking responsibility for the operation/maintenance of instrumentation, training/supervision of students and postdocs in the bioanalytical laboratory.
• Maintaining continuity in methods for biomarker analysis
  • enzymatic activities, concentrations of biochemical compounds, etc., using spectrophotometry, fluorometry, and luminometry),
  • molecular analyses, including nucleic acid extraction and purification, and PCR-based techniques.
• Taking responsibility for organization and safety in the bioanalytical and molecular laboratories. Maintaining documentation and providing expertise on the risks related to specific assays to the researchers and students.
• Introducing students and newcomers to laboratory protocols and being responsible for quality assurance of the results and adherence to good laboratory practices. providing expertise in selecting and adapting the analytical protocols.
• Taking responsibility for sample archiving in long-term storage of the biochemical materials, providing access to deep-freezing facilities, and conducting inventories.
• Organizing inventories of instrumentation and chemicals used in the bioanalytical laboratory.
• Assisting procure general-purpose equipment and consumables used by the researchers in the unit.
• Be a cornerstone in our efforts to maintain a good psycho-social work environment; facilitate interactions within our international staff in the laboratory.

Qualification requirements
We are looking for someone with a PhD or MSc degree and at least two years of research experience in bioanalytical chemistry, molecular biology or similar. The successful candidate must have good practical knowledge of spectrophotometry and other optical methods, and basic molecular techniques, including PCR. In addition, experience in oxidative stress biomarkers, gene expression analysis, and DNA sequence search in databases is desirable. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities, such as a positive attitude and the ability to work with students and employees. Other specific qualifications include

• Interest in bioanalytical applications in environmental science and ecotoxicology, some knowledge of the biochemical physiology of algae, invertebrates, and prokaryotes, and methods in molecular biology and genetics, including the processing of raw data.
• Experience working with chemicals and minimizing the risk of chemical hazards and biological contamination (DNA, enzymes, isotope-labelled tissues) in the laboratory.
• Computer literacy (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, GenBank engine, other relevant data banks) and skills in basic statistics and bioinformatics.
• Experience in project management, good organizational and collaborative skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally, objectively, and clearly with employees and collaborators.
• Good knowledge of English and some knowledge of Swedish in both speech and writing.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, indefinite-term position with a six-month trial period. Salaries at Stockholm University are determined individually; therefore, please indicate your requested salary. Start date immediately.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact 
Information about the position can be obtained from the Head of Unit, Prof. Jonathan Martin, telephone: +46 72 146 2773, jon.martin@aces.su.se , and Prof. Elena Gorokhova, telephone: +46 73 751 0196, elena.gorokhova@aces.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se , and seko@seko.su.se (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

Only include the cover letter and CV in your application. Bring copies of grades and certificates if you are called to an interview.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position .

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs?rmpage=job&rmjob=20123&rmlang=UK