Postdoc position in studies of microbial deconstruction of tree bark
5 months ago
How bark is broken down by microbes is virtually a black box today, despite its importance to the tree and the huge amounts produced in industry. In this project, you will be part in a larger team to help break new ground on microbial bark degradation, from mapping which species are driving this process to identifying and characterizing the enzymes they produce.
Tree bark is a renewable resource that is produced in huge amounts every year, but it is poorly used today. It contains regular wood polymers, such as cellulose and lignin, but also a large fraction of so-called extractive compounds that make it unsuitable for regular pulping processes. The extractives also have interesting roles as major defensive molecules protecting the tree from external threats, but still there is very little information on how bark and its extractives are broken down in nature.
In this project, which is part of a larger project funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation, we will broadly investigate microbial bark degradation and aim to develop knowledge as well as new biotechnological methods to better valorize it. We will target both Nordic tree bark types and more tropical species.
Project description
The project will involve microbiology, various (meta-)omics analyses, molecular biology to clone and heterologously express genes of interest in either bacteria or yeast, protein production and purification, and detailed biochemical characterization of identified enzymes, including determination of substrate specificities and kinetics. Additionally, various chemical analyses will be important to understand what happens to the material or individual molecules during microbial or enzymatic treatments.
We expect to additionally recruit to the larger project, and as a postdoc you will have opportunities to take part in their supervision and in developing the research focus.
Information about the division and the department
The project will mainly be carried out at the in Associate Professor Johan Larsbrink's research group, and with Assoc. Prof. Merima Hasani from , Chalmers, as co-advisor. IndBio is an interdisciplinary and highly international group of researchers which consists of around 45 members and > 20 nationalities. The research in the division revolves around microbiology and fermentation, enzymology, and molecular biology, with a general focus of using renewable raw materials for the sustainable production of fuels, chemicals and materials. In addition to independent research, being a part of IndBio also includes taking part in weekly division meetings, research group meetings, and various social activities such as a yearly division retreat. A large variety of scientific instruments are available in our shared laboratory facilities, and in addition several core facilities are available at the university and its close vicinity. includes three additional research divisions which provide additional expertise and equipment.
Major responsibilities
As a postdoctoral fellow, you are expected to take a major responsibility in developing the project together with your advisors, including planning, performing experiments, critically analyzing your results, and writing manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. The laboratory work will include biochemical assays, chemical pretreatments, analysis of reaction products, and fermentation. You will be expected to communicate your results in different settings, from meetings with advisors and collaborators, to presentations at the research division and at international conferences.
There will be opportunities to supervise undergraduate and PhD students, participate in teaching, and to develop general "soft" skills, depending on your interest and future plans. At the Division level, you will take part in the general maintenance of instruments.
Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated postdoc with a background (PhD) in biochemistry/enzyme technology, omics, microbiology, analytics relevant for lignocellulosic material, or similar. No candidate is expected to have experience in all of these areas, but the research group and IndBio have solid collaborative networks and there will be opportunities to learn new skills throughout the project.
Demonstrated experience in working in international teams is meritorious.
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers). Exceptions from the 3-year limit can be made for longer periods resulting from parental leave, sick leave or military service*.
The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. Swedish is not a requirement but Chalmers offers Swedish courses.
You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.
* The date shown in your doctoral degree certificate is the date we use, as this is the date you have met all requirements for the doctoral degree.
Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for twoyears.
We offer Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of .
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