Postdoc position (2 years) in Molecular Microbiology

Umeå University, Medicinska fakulteten

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.

Are you interested in learning more? Read about Umeå university as a workplace

The Faculty of Medicine, which consists of 13 departments, is responsible for biomedical research and courses in the field of nursing and health care and has an extensive research and graduate education in more than 80 subjects.

Department of Molecular Biology

The department provides a vibrant interfaculty research environment and there is access to a wide range of state-of-the-art research facilities, e.g. for microscopy and imaging using AFM, EM and CSLM.

Background and description of work tasks

Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is part of the normal intestinal microbiome of homeothermic animals (including humans), exhibits a wide range of intra-species physiological and metabolic versatility. This projects aims to identify and characterize fitness properties and mechanisms by which the very versatile extra-intestinal pathogenic variants of Escherichia coli (ExPEC) express their virulence-associated properties. Studies regarding mechanisms, expression and function, of genes and gene products in pathogenic E. coli have revealed key regulatory proteins for fimbrial adhesins (also referred to as pili), expressed in a regulatory network among different adhesin gene systems in ExPEC, that contribute to the bacterial interaction with their host environment. Recent studies revealed that ExPEC, in comparison with commensal non-pathogenic E. coli, also have new allelic variants of genes for proteins affecting c-di-GMP levels.

Aims of the project include:

To investigate the molecular basis of novel c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases in regulation of ExPEC adhesion, motility and in mechanisms on the formation of biofilms, which are important for antibacterial resistance.

The work tasks include to design and perform experiments and to write reports intended for scientific publication. The scientific work will require good knowledge of the research area and ability to work both independently and under supervision of the group leader.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a University degree equivalent to a European University PhD degree in molecular microbiology at the time of the recruitment. To be eligible you should have completed your PhD degree a maximum of three years before the end of the application period, unless special circumstances exist. Read more on: www.aurora.umu.se/en/units/faculty-of-medicine/human-resources/academic-positions-and-docentship/

Candidates must have documented experience (including hands-on experience) in microbial and molecular genetic techniques. Previous experience with research work on ExPEC is considered a strong merit. Moreover, previous work experience in the field of E. coli c-di-GMP phosphodiesterases is highly desirable.

Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English and highly motivated. Because the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates need to be able to work productively also in a team. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers, including colleagues from complementary research fields.

How to apply

You apply through our recruitment system. Your application must contain the following documents written in English (preferably) or Swedish:

A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employments, and a list of publications.
A cover letter describing your research experience, interests, and motivation for applying for the position.
Contact details of two or three references.

More about us

The Uhlin lab is part of the Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Umeå Centre for Microbial Research (UCMR), an interdisciplinary research center devoted to top quality research and novel applications in the field of microbiology.

You find Information about The Department of Molecular Biology at www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/. For questions regarding the position, please contact the project supervisor: Bernt Eric Uhlin (bernt.eric.uhlin@umu.se).