Umeå University is one of Sweden’s largest higher education institutions with over 37,000 students and about 4,700 employees. The University offers a diversity of high-quality education and world-leading research in several fields. Notably, the groundbreaking discovery of the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool, which was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, was made here. At Umeå University, everything is close. Our cohesive campuses make it easy to meet, work together and exchange knowledge, which promotes a dynamic and open culture.
The ongoing societal transformation and large green investments in northern Sweden create enormous opportunities and complex challenges. For Umeå University, conducting research about – and in the middle of – a society in transition is key. We also take pride in delivering education to enable regions to expand quickly and sustainably. In fact, the future is made here.
The Department of Molecular Biology at Umeå University, seeks a staffscientist who will work with cell wall homeostasis and plasticity. The position is temporary for 4 months and available from 1 December 2024 or according to agreement. Application deadline is 28 October 2024.
Description of the project
The Cava lab at the Laboratory of Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) and the Department of Molecular Biology (Umeå University) studies cell wall biology and genetics in bacteria. The enzymes involved in the production and turnover of the cell wall are preferred targets for many of our most successful antibiotics. Understanding the principles of bacterial cell wall homeostasis and plasticity is therefore essential to combat emerging resistant infections. Thus, our main goal is to improve the inventory of players in cell wall biogenesis, remodeling and regulation, characterize the function and interplay of known components, and evolve our work into quantitative studies and computational modeling. Gathered data will have an extraordinary potential as novel targets for the development of antimicrobials.
Work responsibilities
You will focus on the following specific topics: 1) to develop new technologies of high through put ultra-sensitive analysis of bacterial cell wall; 2) to characterize the genetic determinants governing bacterial cell wall homeostasis at genome scale by analyzing the cell wall of arrayed mutant libraries; and 3) to identify the environmental factors modulating peptidoglycan plasticity and uncover its regulatory networks.
The staff scientist will be involved in large scale, high-throughput analysis of bacterial cell wall samples using LC-MS. The person will also be responsible for the optimization and development of new analytical methods, sample preparation and analysis, and day-to-day maintenance and troubleshooting of the instruments. The applicant will also apply molecular microbiology and genetics to discover novel cell wall regulatory partners.
Qualifications
We seek highly motivated candidates with a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology or Microbiology at the time of recruitment. Since the project will be of collaborative nature, candidates are expected to function in a team and therefore have a good ability to co-operate. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting effectively with colleagues and peers.
You must to have previous experience in analytical chemistry, particularly in the development of chromatographic methods and sample preparation and analysis. A good knowledge of chromatography, mass spectrometry and associated software (e.g. Empower, UNIFI, MassLynx) is essential. It will be particularly qualifying for the successful candidate to have demonstrated expertise (at least 3 years) in comparative analysis of cell wall chromatographic and MS data, and generation and management of a cell wall database.
You must have a good working knowledge of standard molecular biology and biochemistry techniques (including DNA cloning, protein production and purification) and show proficiency in microbiology and basic microscopy methods.
Merit is given if the candidate has experience with bioinformatic related programs (e.g. Galaxy, Matlab, R) and the ability to develop computational scripts for data processing and analysis (e.g.: Python).
Application
The application must include:
1) CV and list of publications. 2) Three of your best publications. 3) Contact details of two to three references.
The application must be written in English or Swedish. The application must be made through our e-recruitment system Varbi. 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 28 October 2024. For questions regarding the position, please contact the project supervisor: Felipe Cava, felipe.cava@umu.se
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