Researcher (Protein Scientist), Core

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Protein Production Sweden (PPS) is a new national research infrastructure with financing from the Swedish Research Council, with the aim of co-ordinating and performing the production of proteins in different expression systems for Swedish researchers. The co-ordination of activities at five universities in Sweden will lead to an increased availability and competence within protein production, and will ensure the production of proteins with high quality. The Mammalian Protein [removed]MPE) core facility at the Sahlgrenska Academy is a part of PPS with focus on the production of proteins and glycoproteins in mammalian cells.

MPE is a resource center offering research services within the production and purification of recombinant proteins from mammalian cells. MPE is one of several advanced research infrastructures at the Sahlgrenska Academy (www.cf.gu.se), which provide advanced technical equipment and qualified competence in several disciplines. The core facilities also contribute to education at different levels at the Sahlgrenska Academy and are natural meeting places for national and international contacts in life sciences.

With support of the VR-funding for PPS, MPE is now looking for an experienced protein scientist who will aid in the development of MPE’s capabilities within specific areas of protein and glycoprotein production, purification and characterization.

A key focus for this position is to run and be responsible for protein production projects for different researchers. The work is lab-based and involves culture and transfection of mammalian cells, protein purification, characterization and quality control. This includes planning and performance of different types of mammalian cell cultures, including large- and small-scale transfections and bioreactor cultures, purification of produced proteins and various protein analyses. Some molecular biology work and cloning of cells may occasionally be involved in the tasks.

The communication with different researchers and the reporting of projects are important parts of the work, as well as participating in maintaining the center's routines. The work is carried out independently or together with other group members and requires flexibility and ability to adapt to the different tasks. Some weekend work may occur. The position requires professional knowledge and experience in protein production as well as a good understanding of both protein chemistry and the academic research environment. It is also important to be able to carry out experiments based on the researchers’ scientific demands in a time-efficient and quality-conscious manner.

The successful applicant has a PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology or equivalent, with an interest in and long experience of work in protein chemistry, cell biology, molecular biology or other relevant biomedical field. Experience from the expression of recombinant proteins, protein purification using various chromatography-based methods and different techniques for the quality control of proteins are required. Experience of culturing mammalian cells for this purpose is highly meriting, as is documented experience of sterile work. You should also have experience of common molecular biology techniques and preferably also of working with various commonly used expression vectors and expression systems for mammalian cells. Knowledge and experience of working with protein glycosylation is desirable. Previous experience of large-scale cultivation of mammalian cells in bioreactors is a merit, as is the production of protein samples for structural analysis using Cryo-EM or other techniques. Previous work within a protein production research infrastructure is desirable.

As we work with both national and international users, you must master English in speech and writing. As employee at a resource center, good communication, ability to work together, professionalism and flexibility are very important skills. Thus, we will put a large emphasis on personal suitability for this position.

The employment is a substitute during an ongoing leave of absence between 2023-03-01 and 2024-08-31. The employment is full-time (100%) and is placed at Mammalian Protein [removed]MPE) Core Facility, Sahlgrenska Academy. Starting date is 2023-03-01 or as soon as agreed.

For more information contact MPE’s head of unit, Dr Malin Bäckström; [email protected], T. 0708-993496.

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. 

Applications must be received by: 2023-01-31

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.