The University of Gothenburg meets societal challenges with diverse knowledge. With 58,000 students and 6,800 employees, the university is 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 Chemistry and Molecular Biology conducts high-quality research and education in chemical sciences and molecular life sciences. Our research and education focus on a deep understanding of chemical and biological processes in cells and the environment. We are responsible for doctoral education in the field of Natural Sciences with a focus on chemistry, biophysics, biology, and educational science. Additionally, the department hosts educational programs in molecular biology, genomics, systems biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and pharmaceutical chemistry, as well as the pharmacy education program. The department is an international environment with interdisciplinary collaborations in both research and education, significantly contributing to the University of Gothenburg's top ranking in life sciences. The department's activities are conducted in Natrium, Medicinareberget in Gothenburg.
**Job Responsibilities**
To identify new protein interaction partners for hAQP4, a cDNA library from human brain will be screened using bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). By using BiFC in our library screening, detection of stable complexes as well as short-lived interactions, including weaker or transient interactions related to phosphorylation, which are crucial for regulating AQP function, will be enabled.
Confirmed interaction partners from the human brain will be produced in Pichia pastoris. Protein complexes will be characterized both biophysically and structurally. In addition to evaluation using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and microscale thermophoresis (MST), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) will be a valuable method for both biophysical and structural characterization of complexes. Established methods for structure determination, electron microscopy, and X-ray crystallography will also be applied. For aquaporins from fish, these will be purified following recombinant expression in the yeast P. pastoris and characterized regarding function and structure. Function will be studied using proteoliposomes while X-ray crystallography will primarily be applied for structure determination.
The work will be carried out independently or in collaboration with other group members and requires flexibility as well as the ability to adapt to various tasks. The position requires professional expertise and experience in molecular biology, as well as a good understanding of both protein chemistry and the academic environment.
**Qualifications**
Eligible for the position: To be employed as a postdoctoral researcher, the candidate must have obtained a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This eligibility requirement must be fulfilled by the time the employment decision is made. Primarily, candidates who have obtained their doctoral degree no more than three years prior to the application deadline will be considered. If there are special reasons, the doctoral degree may have been obtained earlier.
**Requirements for the position:**
- You must have a doctoral degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.
- You must have several years of experience working in protein chemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, or other relevant biomedical areas.
- From your doctoral training and/or previous PostDoc, you should have experience working with yeast and integral membrane proteins, expression of recombinant proteins, protein purification using various chromatography-based methods, and characterization of proteins with different biophysical techniques.
- You must be proficient in English, both spoken and written.
**Meritorious for the position:**
- Experience in large-scale cultivation of yeast in fermenters.
- Documented experience in working with FACS analysis.
- Production of protein samples for structural analysis using X-ray, Cryo-EM, or NMR.
- Experience working with protein complexes regarding function and structure.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, professionalism, and flexibility are very important qualities as we place great emphasis on personal suitability in the appointment of the position.
**Employment**
The position is a fixed-term employment, collective agreement for postdoctoral researchers at full-time, 100% for two years at the Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology.
**Contact Information for the Position**
If you have questions about the position, please contact Professor Kristina Hedfalk, email:
[email protected]
**Union Organizations**
Union representatives at the University of Gothenburg can be found here: https://www.gu.se/en/about-the-university/work-with-us/help-for-applicants
**Application**
You apply for the position via the University of Gothenburg's recruitment portal by clicking the "Apply" button. As an applicant, you are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement and that it reaches the university no later than the application deadline.
The application should include:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover letter
- Contact information for at least two references.
- A copy of your degree certificate and