The Division of Industrial Biotechnology of the Department of Biology and Biological Engineering at the Chalmers University of Technology seeks a highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral candidate for a project with the overall aim to create novel yeast strains that are able to hydrolyze and ferment cellobiose and cellulose to ethanol for consolidated bioprocessing purposes. Here, industrial strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae will be metabolically engineered using CRISPR/Cas9, and then grown under selective pressure to select for cells that can i) effectively hydrolyze cellulose (the main component of plant biomass), and ii) simultaneously ferment cellobiose and xylose, which contributes to an increased ethanol yield and process profitability. This is a wet-lab intensive project relying on a number of different techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9-based genetic manipulations, protein expression, enzyme activity screening, physiological studies and fermentation profiling of S. cerevisiae.

Major responsibilities
The major responsibility as a Postdoc will be to perform research within the scope of the project and the group. The tasks also include writing project reports and scientific manuscripts, and to a certain extent supervision of master and/or bachelor students. The candidate will be expected to share her/his research results both in presentation at the division/department and at international conferences. Being part of this research group also involves taking responsibility for side tasks such as keeping the lab and instruments in good condition. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications

• The candidate must hold a doctoral degree, generally not older than three years, in Biotechnology/Bioengineering, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or other related disciplines.
• Experience in yeast genetics and physiology and molecular biology techniques is required.
• Know-how of metabolic engineering, genetic manipulations using CRISPR/Cas9, protein secretion in yeast, plant cell wall biotechnology and analytical techniques are highly qualifying merits.
• An outstanding academic track record and  published several first authored papers in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals.
• Important qualities are enthusiasm, to be able to drive and conclude projects independently, take own initiatives and discuss/develop own ideas, be creative and have a problem-solving ability.
• The project is in collaboration with other researchers and thus excellent cooperation and social abilities are important.
• The candidate must also be highly proficient in spoken and written English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

For questions, please contact:
Dr. Cecilia Geijer, Biology and Biological Engineering, cecilia.geijer@chalmers.se, +46(0)31 772 3881
Professor Lisbeth Olsson, Biology and Biological Engineering, lisbeth.olsson@chalmers.se, +46(0)31 772 3805