Senior research engineer in Chemistry Biology

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.

Chemical/light-inducible approaches provide means to control biological systems with spatial and temporal resolution that is unmatched by traditional genetic perturbations. Our laboratory has pioneered in the development of chemo-optogenetic systems (Chem 2019 review, Nat Meth 2023). We have developed the first bioorthogonal and reversible chemically induced dimerization (CID) system (SLF'-TMP system) for controlling protein function by small molecules in live cells (Angew Chem 2014). A photoactivatable CID (pCID) using photo-caged dimerizer (NovcTMP-Cl) (Angew Chem 2017) and photo-switchable CID system (psCID) using photo-switchable dimerizer (CONC) allow superior spatiotemporal control of protein function in live cells (Angew Chem 2018). We have developed novel "Molecular Activity Painting (MAP)" strategy by combining pCID with immobilized artificial receptors to enable "painting" of signaling molecules and their activity at micrometer-scale at the plasma membrane. Using photoactivatable dual-chemically induced dimerization (pdCID) system, we developed a Multi-directional Activity Control (MAC) approach to spatiotemporally control cellular signaling and intracellular cargo transport (Angew Chem 2018).

This project will focus on development of chemogenetic and chemo-optogenetic systems, which enable the activity to be controlled by small molecule or light with high spatial and temporal resolution in live cells and organisms. The techniques used in the project include protein/peptide synthesis, organic synthesis and cell imaging.

The senior research engineer will work on but not limited to:

• design and conduct experiments in chemical biology research using synthetic small-molecule tools;
• process and analyze results and data;
• communicate results with the supervisor and other group members;
• supervise students;
• write research papers.

You have a doctoral degree in chemical biology, synthetic chemistry or equivalent. The successful candidate should have several years of research experience at postdoctoral level in chemical biology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field. The candidate is expected to design and execute projects independently but also in close collaboration with other members of the team, independence and good ability to collaborate is therefore a requirement. Good command of written and spoken English is also a requirement.

Experiences in organic synthesis, protein/peptide chemistry, protein expression and purification, and/or cell imaging are strong merits, as is a good record of research publication within these areas.

The application should include:

The application should be written in English or Swedish and submitted via our e-recruitment system. Last day to apply is 19th January 2024.

For further information, please contact professor Yaowen Wu, e-mail: [email protected] Website: https://www.umu.se/en/staff/yaowen-wu/

We look forward to receiving your application.