Department of Animal Biosciences

Are you the right person for our spider silk team?! In this project, we will develop new methods for producing and purifying recombinant spider silk proteins. As a research group, we are interested in how spiders have solved problems related to protein production, storage, and polymerization, and we are developing methods to produce the material through recombinant protein production and biomimetic fiber spinning. To further develop our methods, we are looking for a postdoc with a strong interest in biotechnology and protein biochemistry.

About the job

You will be part of an excellent team of several PhD students, postdocs, and researchers working on various projects related to biotechnological methods for producing recombinant silk proteins, characterizing them, fiber spinning, protein engineering, material characterization, and bioinformatics to understand the transcriptome profile of spider silk glands.

Your work will involve using several different heterologous hosts to improve our current production methods, primarily including prokaryotic systems, but possibly also yeast and cell lines. The candidate is also expected to independently develop effective purification methods. Protein development and characterization of the produced proteins through, for example, SDS PAGE, CD spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, rheology, and SEC are included in the work. The applicant is expected to actively drive the project, stay updated with the literature, interact with other team members, be active in journal clubs and meetings, present results in an educational manner, write reports and papers, and maintain a positive attitude. You will be responsible for planning, executing, and analyzing data and should enjoy working in a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere.

Your background

A PhD in a relevant field obtained within the last three years is required, along with several publications in international peer-reviewed journals, with at least one as the first author. Extensive previous practical experience in the following is required and should be clearly described in the cover letter:

• protein production in prokaryotes and/or yeast
• various protein purification methods
• development of recombinant protein production protocols
• at least two of the methods used for characterizing the proteins

Good knowledge of English is required (at least C1 level in reading, writing, and listening). If you are applying from outside Europe and do not have English as your native language, a certificate verifying your English proficiency (listening, reading, and writing) is required. Teaching students and PhD candidates may be included in the job responsibilities.

As a person, you are positive, efficient, ambitious, meticulous, enjoy laboratory work, and can meet deadlines. The position is offered to the one who, after a qualitative overall assessment, is deemed to have the best qualifications to carry out and develop the current tasks and contribute to a positive development of the organization.

About us

The spider silk group at SLU is a highly productive and successful group that has secured several grants from the European Research Council. Recently, the group has been awarded significant research grants from the Olle Engkvist Foundation and the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, ensuring a continued high level of research activities. We are dedicated, ambitious, and have a friendly and supportive atmosphere. You can read more about us here: https://www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/anna-rising/ (https://www.slu.se/en/ew-cv/anna-rising/)

At the Department of Animal Biosciences, we teach and conduct research in areas ranging from molecular mechanisms and microbiology to animal structure and function! Our main subjects are genetics, anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, toxicology, immunology, bacteriology, virology, parasitology, epizootiology, comparative medicine, food safety, and One Health. Our research includes production animals, companion animals, laboratory animals, and wildlife. For more information about the department or division, visit: https://www.slu.se/en/departments/Animal-Biosciences/ (https://www.slu.se/en/departments/Animal-Biosciences/)

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at SLU at https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/ (https://www.slu.se/om-slu/jobba-pa-slu/)

Location:

SLU, Ultuna campus in Uppsala

Employment type:

Fixed-term employment for 24 months, with the possibility of extension.

Extent:

100%

Start date:

By agreement.

Application:

Welcome with your application via the application button below by 2025-05-16.

The applicant must attach three or four documents:

1. CV including contact information, publication list, and contact information for at least two references who are familiar with the applicant and their qualifications.
2. Description of previous and ongoing research and a justification of the applicant's relevance for obtaining the position. Description of preliminary research ideas is welcome but not mandatory. (Maximum two A4 pages.)
3. Copy of degree certificate or link to or copy of the doctoral thesis.
4. If the applicant is from a country outside the EU and does not have English as their native language, an official certificate confirming English proficiency is required.

Union contact persons:

https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/ (https://internt.slu.se/min-anstallning/facket/kontaktpersoner/)

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) plays a key role in the development of sustainable life, founded on science and education. Through our focus on the interactions between humans, animals, and ecosystems and responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Main locations are Alnarp, Umeå, and Uppsala, but activities are also conducted at research stations, experimental parks, and educational sites across the country.

SLU has over 3000 employees, 5000 students, and doctoral candidates, and a turnover of over three billion SEK. The university invests in attractive environments on its campuses. We strive for a gender-equal and inclusive work environment where open conversations between people with different experiences lay the foundation for scientific rigor, creativity, and development. We therefore welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply for the current position.