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.

Research and graduate education at the department of chemistry and molecular biology comprises a wide scientific field from the atomic and molecular levels all the way through cells to intact organisms. Much of the phenomena studied here impact on our natural environment and living systems. We participate in undergraduate programs in chemistry, molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, biology, marine sciences, and pharmacy.  The group of Björn Burmann uses state of the art NMR-spectroscopy to study large molecular complexes underlying basic cellular functions at the atomic level in combination with other structural biology methods and biophysical characterization. Björn Burmann’s group investigates macromolecular protein machines underlying essential cellular functions, e.g. protein quality control and their effect on misfolding- and aggregation-prone proteins underlying several different diseases, through biophysical and structural biology approaches e.g. high-resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). 

 Structural characterization and biophysical analysis of mitochondrial import and mitochondrial proteins in situ.

Duties 

The research project aims at advancing the molecular understanding of the function and regulation of proteins in their native environment in situ at the atomic level by advanced NMR-spectroscopy.  The general applicability of such approaches could be shown by pioneering studies of the Burmann group (Thoma et al., 2020/2021/2022). In the current project it is aimed to further develop the technology to eukaryotic mitochondria. The specific tasks will be:

• Developing conditions to be able to study target proteins directly in mitochondria
• Study structure and dynamics of small model proteins in situ
• Exploit the methodology for studies by solution, solid-state NMR and/or cryo-EM techniques 

Qualifications 

To qualify as a PostDoc, the applicant must have completed a Swedish doctoral degree or must have a foreign degree corresponding to a Swedish doctoral degree. A relevant background in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Structural Biology or related fields is expected. Previous work on related protein systems will be considered favorable. Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 – 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in mitochondrial biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and/or NMR spectroscopy. Previous work with mitochondria and mitochondrial proteins, e.g. expression and purification and/or functional characterization for structural studies, will be considered an advantage.

• Expert knowledge in cell biology, especially mitochondrial biology
• Experience in the work with mitochondrial proteins
• Knowledge in recombinant protein expression and purification of relevant proteins.
• Knowledge in cell-free protein expression is considered an advantage
• Knowledge in solution NMR methods (e.g. assignment, protein dynamics, data analysis)
• Knowledge in sample preparation (isotope labelling, methyl-labelling)
• Detailed knowledge in additional biophysical and structural biology techniques (ITC, BLI, SEC-MALLS, EM, X-Ray) 

Employment 

Fixed term as postdoctor during two years, fulltime at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology 

Contact information for the post 

If you have any questions about the position, please contact Björn Burmann, Associate Professor, +46(0)31 786 3923 bjorn.marcus.burmann@gu.se

Unions 

Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/hjalp-for-sokande 

Application 

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 2022-08-31.  

Please apply online

The application shall include:
Cover letter with an explanation of why you apply for the position

CV including scientific publications
Copy of exam certificate
Two referees (name, telephone no, relation)

Applications must be received by: 2022-08-31 

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.
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