Postdoctoral position to study mycobacterial ribosome biology (cryo-EM) - ,

The Barandun Laboratory (www.barandunlab.org) seeks a postdoctoral researcher with a background in Mycobacteria biology, RNA/protein biochemistry, and structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography). The employment placed at The Department of Molecular Biologi and is full-time for two years with planned start in September 2021 or as agreed. The last day to apply is 5 of August, 2021. 

We are a young and dynamic research group at Umeå University using cryo-EM to study how intracellular pathogens infect, exploit, and manipulate their host cells. Our research group is affiliated with The Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), located at the Department of Molecular Biology. MIMS is the Swedish Node in the Nordic EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine. Our laboratory has excellent access to the Umeå Core Facility for Electron Microscopy at Umeå University, which is hosting one of the two nodes of the national cryo-EM facility at SciLifeLab. Our work is funded through a Swedish Research Council and an ERC starting grant.

Project description and work tasks

The project will involve the characterization of the translation apparatus from Mycobacteria using in-vivo assays, RNA-protein biochemistry, and cryo-electron microscopy. The goal is to identify and study ribosome-associated factors in an unbiased way, provide structural information and uncover unique species-specific mechanisms that could later serve as novel targets for antibiotics.

Qualifications

The candidate must have a Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Microbiology, or similar.  The Ph.D. degree should not be awarded more than three years ago at the time of application. Exceptions include illness, parental leave, clinical practice, appointments of trust in trade unions or similar circumstances, which must be stated in the application. Hands-on expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology in general, and ideally in Mycobacterial biology, is required. The ideal candidate has a background in Mycobacteria culturing (e.g., large-scale culturing of M. smegmatis or similar organisms for protein overexpression) and genomic engineering (e.g., has successfully used modern techniques for genome manipulation to obtain knockouts or knock-ins). Also, experience with bacterial expression and purification of recombinant proteins (ideally in M. smegmatis) and RNA/protein biochemistry is required. A background in structural biology is needed (i.e., preferably cryo-EM or alternatively X-ray crystallography). Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English and a high level of interpersonal skills are required, and the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently is expected.

Desirable qualifications

For the advertised project, knowledge of cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation, data collection, and processing will be a significant advantage.

Application

You apply through our e-recruitment system latest 5 of August, 2021. Your application must contain the following documents, written in English:

• A CV with information on education, a list of previous and current employment, and a list of publications
• A copy of the Ph.D. certificate
• A cover letter describing your experience, match with the required qualifications, research interests, and motivation for applying for the position
• Contact details of two to three references

Please do not upload your thesis, manuscripts or other non-requested documents.

We welcome your application!

For more information about the position, contact jonas.barandun@umu.se.

For more information about The Department of Molecular Biology please visit our webpage www.umu.se/en/department-of-molecular-biology/