University of Gothenburg addresses societal challenges with versatile knowledge. 58,000 students and 6,800 employees make the university a large and inspiring workplace. Strong research and attractive educational programs attract researchers and students from around the world. With new knowledge and perspectives, the University of Gothenburg contributes to a better future.
The Department of Medicine, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, conducts translational research primarily focused on metabolism, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease to improve health and healthcare in society.
The overarching goal is to create an excellent translational research environment of very high international standard.
We have more bacteria than our own cells in the body, and these bacteria interact with each other in ecosystems, microbiota, and can affect our well-being. By combining clinical samples and gnotobiotic animal models, we have shown that gut microbiota affects our physiology and metabolism. We are now seeking a researcher who can analyze gut microbiota and isolate specific microbial modulators for metabolic-related diseases by quantifying and characterizing bacterial species, strains, and genomes.
Job Responsibilities
The position will involve culturing intestinal bacteria under strictly anaerobic conditions, identifying microbial enzymes in metagenomic data, and subsequent cloning and expression of candidate genes. The candidate will study substrate specificity and enzymatic activity and further characterize the enzyme's function, including cofactor requirements and cellular localization. Structural biology methods may also be applied, including crystallization and structural determination of selected enzymes.
In parallel, the candidate will contribute to developing specific inhibitors targeting microbial enzyme activities. These inhibitors will be evaluated both in vitro and in vivo to investigate their potential as new therapeutic strategies.
Qualifications
A doctoral thesis in a relevant field and strong background in enzyme chemistry are required. Good knowledge of enzyme characterization, including studies of substrate specificity, cofactor requirements, and cellular localization, is required. Experience in structural determination, particularly enzymes, as well as protein structure modeling and enzyme inhibitor development, is highly meritorious. Experience with anaerobic bacterial cultivation, germ-free mice, and industrial and/or international experience is advantageous.
It is important that the applicant is creative, can work independently, but also collaborate well with other researchers and clinicians within a larger team, and we place great importance on personal suitability. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is required.
Employment
Type of Employment: Permanent position
Scope: 100%, full-time
Location: Gothenburg
Start Date: April 1, 2026
Contact Information
For questions about the project, subject, work content, or workplace, please contact:
Professor Fredrik Bäckhed,
[email protected], +46 (0)702-182 355
Department Head Malin Levin,
[email protected], +46 (0)708-416 264
For questions about the application, recruitment process, and employment terms, please contact:
[email protected].
Application
Apply for the position through the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by electronically registering your application on the website: https://www.gu.se/om-universitetet/jobba-hos-oss/lediga-anstallningar. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that the application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and received by the university no later than the application deadline.
Please include:
- Doctoral degree certificate
- CV
Application deadline: 2025-11-27
The university actively works towards an equal work environment and values the qualities that diversity brings to the organization.
The university applies individual salary setting.
According to the National Archives regulations, the university is obligated to preserve application documents for two years after the appointment decision. If you as an applicant specifically request the return of your documents, they will be sent back after two years; otherwise, they will be discarded.
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