Postdoc in yeast synthetic biology

We are seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to develop yeast-based synthetic biology solutions for sustainable food production at the Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology.

About us

The Department of Life Sciences conducts research, innovation, and education to enable a biobased society and improve human health. We explore how biological systems, and innovative technologies can be used to convert biomass into valuable products. We use advanced computational technologies to discover how biomolecules and organisms function and interact. We pioneer new methods for prediction, prevention, diagnostics and treatment of diseases.

At the Division of Systems and Synthetic Biology biologists, chemists, mathematicians, and engineers work together with the goal of understanding and quantitatively describing the complex functioning of living organisms. We develop technologies that contribute to human health and biosustainability.

About the research project 

Synthetic microbial consortia, in which engineered microorganisms interact with other cell types, open up new possibilities for sustainable biomanufacturing and novel biomaterials. This project focuses on developing yeast strains optimized for performance within such consortia. Applications include sustainable food production, such as the generation of tailored food oils by yeast from sugars supplied by cyanobacteria, as well as engineered living materials, such as 3D-printed tissues built from defined communities.

The work involves engineering yeast metabolism and cell–cell interactions to ensure robust and productive consortium function. State-of-the-art synthetic biology tools and technologies will be applied, including biosensors, CRISPR-based strain libraries and high-throughput screening. The project is carried out within an interdisciplinary and international research team.

Who we are looking for

The following requirements are mandatory:

• A doctoral degree in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or similar, or an equivalent foreign degree. This eligibility requirement must be met no later than the time the employment decision is made. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in genetic engineering of microorganisms, preferably yeast

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• It is highly meritorious if the doctoral degree has been obtained within the last three years prior to the application deadline
• Experience in CRISPR technologies, GoldenGate and/or Gibson cloning, flow cytometry, FACS, analysis of next generation sequencing data, fermentation, HPLC, GC-MS

What you will do

• Specify project specific tasks for the position
• Supervise master’s and/or PhD students to a certain extent
• Possibility to engage in teaching at undergraduate/master’s level

The position is meritorious for future roles in academia, industry, or the public sector.

Contract terms

The position is a temporary full-time employment for two years.

The position requires physical presence throughout the entire employment. A valid residence permit must be presented by the start date, otherwise the offer may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a postdoc at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about  working at Chalmers  and our benefits  for employees.

• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.

• Read more about Sweden’s generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

• A comprehensive CV, including a complete list of publications.
• Details of previous teaching and pedagogical experience.

Personal letter

• A brief introduction about yourself.
• A summary of your previous research fields and key research outcomes.
• An outline of your future goals and research focus.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

A background check may be conducted as part of the application process.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than November 30.

For questions, please contact:

Professor Verena Siewers
siewers@chalmers.se

We look forward to your application!

*Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. * 

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.
Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.