Aalto University is a community of bold thinkers where science and art meet technology and business. We are committed to identifying and solving grand societal challenges and building an innovative future. Aalto University has six schools with nearly 20 000 students and more than 400 professors. Our campuses are located in Espoo and Helsinki, Finland.

The Biochemistry group (http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/research_groups/biochemistry/) develops energy-relevant biochemical transformations. We have several openings for PhD students and Postdocs that are funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation. We are looking for a

Postdoctoral Researcher with strong knowledge in metabolic engineering, genetics or Electromicrobiology

Our goal is to access the methanogen-specific Wood-Ljungdahl pathway for the conversion of CO₂ to multi-carbon fuels and chemicals. To achieve our goals, we unravel metabolic principles and enzyme function in anaerobic archaea, and we apply synthetic biology to create useful pathways and enzymes.

Research is carried out at our excellent facilities at Aalto University, School of Chemical Engineering (http://www.bioeconomyinfra.fi/). The laboratories are situated on the main campus of Aalto University in Otaniemi (short metro-ride from Helsinki) within the Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems (http://bio2.aalto.fi/en/).

Job description

The project may be adjusted according to the talents and preferences of the applicants. Most experiments will be performed in anaerobic chambers or custom-made vessels. It involves pathway engineering in the genetically tractable methanogens Methanococcus maripaludis and Methanosarcina. Tasks areas are:

• Implementation of pathway-parts from acetogens into methanogens
• Development of methods to regulate NAD(P)H vs. NAD(P)⁺ levels in methanogens
• Expression of electron-bifurcating hydrogenases
• Understanding of regulation in methanogens
• Development of new ways of energy conservation in model methanogens
• Cultivation of methanogens and methanotrophs in bioelectric systems

Requirements

• PhD in a suitable field, such as metabolic engineering, genetics, systems biology, microbial physiology or biophysics
• Be highly committed to science and strive for excellence
• Develop own smart ideas and think independently
• Be able to focus on solving tough scientific problems
• Have good written and oral communication skills in English

Skills, knowledge or interest in some of the following areas are highly appreciated:

• Microbial pathway engineering and regulation
• Quantification of intracellular metabolites
• Electro(bio)chemistry
• Bioinformatics and genetics
• Metabolic modelling and thermodynamics
• Biochemistry

We offer

• High-end laboratory infrastructure and friendly colleagues
• Opportunity to work in a newly established research group
• Freedom to bring in own ideas
• Funding for 2 years

For more information

For additional scientific information, please contact Prof. Silvan Scheller (silvan.scheller@aalto.fi), in matters related to the recruitment process, HR Coordinator Sanni Mero (sanni.mero@aalto.fi).