Researcher in molecular evolution

Are you interested in working with microbial systems biology, with the support of competent and friendly colleagues in an international environment? Are you looking for an employer that invests in sustainable employeeship and offers safe, favourable working conditions? We welcome you to apply for a researcher in molecular evolution with specialization in microbial system biology position at Uppsala University.

The Department of Cell and Molecular Biology is divided into seven research programs that focus on different areas within cell and molecular biology: computational biology and bioinformatics, microbiology, molecular biology, molecular biophysics, molecular evolution, molecular systems biology and structural biology. The scientific basis of what we do is in biology, but our research overlaps with other fields such as medicine, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, engineering and physics. The department has over 200 employees with around 60 PhD students. Please read more about the organization's work at https://www.uu.se/en/department/cell-and-molecular-biology.

The researcher will be part of Siv Andersson´s research group (https://www.icm.uu.se/molekylar-evolution/andersson-siv/) at the program of Molecular Evolution.

Project description
The research in Siv Andersson´s group aims to provide a deeper understanding of the forces and mechanisms that drive the evolution of host-adapted bacterial genomes. The focus of this project is on experimental studies of Lactobacillus bacteria isolated from the honey crop of honeybees. A genetic system for these bacteria is currently under development, which enables genes to be inserted, deleted and mutated. The aim of this project is to develop the system further and use it for large-scale mutational screens. 

Duties
The project includes experimental work on the development of a genetic system for Lactobacillus bacteria, including bacterial cultivation, extraction of DNA, RNA and protein, plasmid constructions and genetic modifications with the aid of CRISPR/Cas. The use of bioinformatic tools for the analyses of -omics data obtained from the engineered bacterial strains may also be included in the position.

Requirements
We seek a highly motivated person with a PhD exam in biology with specialization in microbiology and systems biology or related subject areas that the employer considers equivalent. High requirements on research quality and ethics, including quality and reproducibility of data and analyses, are central for all work in the group. Experience of working with CRISPR/Cas is a requirement. The candidate should be able to express themselves fluently in English.

Additional qualifications
The candidate should have strong collaborative and communication skills but also be able to work independently. Postdoctoral experience of the development and use of genetic systems for non-model bacterial species is highly desirable.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position, 12 months. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as soon as possible or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

Application

Your application should contain the following:

1. CV;
2. a cover letter describing research interests, knowledge and why you are interested in this position (max 2 pages);
3. list of publications;
4. PhD exam;
5. up to three letters of recommendation.

For further information about the position, please contact:  Professor Siv Andersson, e-mail; siv.andersson@icm.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 28 october 2024, UFV-PA 2024/3436.