Post-doctoral position (2 years) in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis - Befattningen är under tillsättning eller redan tillsatt, och det är inte längre möjligt att lämna in en ansökan

The Department of Molecular Biology is a dynamic and internationally successful research environment that belongs to both the Faculty of Science and Technology and the Faculty of Medicine. We teach students at all levels in our main area of molecular biology and are about 175 people who work in an international environment (www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/).

Research at the Department of Molecular Biology includes a wide range of molecular biology fields in science and medicine: cell biology, microbiology, infectious biology, tumor biology and neurobiology, as well as genetic model organisms (but not plants). We are now looking for a postdoctoral fellow in bacterial physiology and pathogenesis in the project "Biogenesis, regulation and function of the type III secretion system" funded by the Swedish Research Council. The position is full-time for two years and expected to begin on April 1st, 2021 or by agreement. The deadline for applications is February 12th, 2021.

Project description and working tasks

The successful applicant will study the Ysc-Yop type III secretion system in the context of physiology and pathogenesis of the bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. One aspect will include defining the molecular mechanisms that regulate Ysc-Yop substrate secretion control. A second aspect will include defining the molecular basis of Ysc-Yop injectisome pore assembly and activity in eukaryotic plasma membranes at the zone of bacteria-immune cell contact. To address all of these objectives, applicants are expected to combine advanced methods in molecular genetics, biochemistry and infectious biology to uncover key regulatory and functional mechanisms intrinsic to biogenesis, regulation, and function of the type III secretion system. Part of these work tasks can combine joint efforts between researchers based in Umeå and international collaborators. This may require working stints outside of Umeå.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:
A person who has been awarded a doctorate or a foreign qualification deemed to be the equivalent of a doctorate in molecular microbiology / molecular genetics with a focus on infection biology qualifies for employment as a postdoc. Priority should be given to candidates who have completed their doctoral degree no more than three years before the closing date of the application. A candidate who has completed their degree prior to this may be considered if special circumstances exist. Special circumstances include absence due to illness, parental leave or clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances. Postdocs who are to teach or supervise must have taken relevant courses in teaching and learning in higher education.

Good knowledge and experience of standard microbiological and molecular biological methods for genetic engineering and gene expression studies is required. You have experience in protein expression and purification, affinity chromatography, size-exclusion chromatography and ion exchange chromatography for research questions on protein-protein interactions. Experience of working with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis as a genetic model system and knowledge in structural biology is needed. A personal motivation to work with research is of great importance. You are well organized and independent, but also appreciate to work together in a collaborative group environment. A very good ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing is required.

Other desirable qualifications:
We are looking for a person who is determined, creative and instructional. You take your own initiatives and can independently take responsibility for experimental work, data analysis and the publication process. Research experience from different laboratories / universities is a merit. Experience with instructing junior co-workers is desirable. Experience from mentoring in the field of molecular biology is a merit, as is previous experience of being responsible for order and safety in a microbiological research laboratory.

Application

A full application should include:

• A short cover letter (max. two A4 pages) with a description of the applicant's research experience, research interest and suitability for the project,
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
• Certified copy of doctoral degree certificate,
• Certified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
• Copy of doctoral thesis and relevant scientific articles,
• Contact information of at least two reference persons,
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.

The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application is made through our electronic recruitment system. Documents sent electronically must be in Word or PDF format. Log in to the system and apply via the button at the end of this page. The closing date is February 12th, 2021.

We welcome your application!

For questions and further information, please contact Professor Matthew Francis, Department of Molecular Biology, matthew.francis@umu.se.