Postdoctoral fellow in mitochondrial DNA replication

The University of Gothenburg tackles society's challenges with diverse knowledge. 37 000 students and 6 000 employees make the university a large and inspiring place to work and study. Strong research and attractive study programmes attract scientists and students from around the world. With new knowledge and new perspectives, the University contributes to a better future. The Institute of Biomedicine is involved in both research and education. In both of these areas, we focus on fundamental knowledge of the living cell - what it consists of, how it works, how its function is directed by the genetic material, and how it interacts with various kinds of microorganisms. Using this knowledge, we try to elucidate the causes of diseases, and find new ways to diagnose and treat them. At present, the institute has about 350 employees and approximately 290 million SEK in total assets.

Mitochondria contain their own genome that codes for several subunits of the respiratory chain. We have developed both in vivo and in vitro techniques to study mitochondrial DNA replication. With this project the candidate will study how the mitochondrial genome is replicated in human cells and how errors in this process can arise. The aim of this project is to study the molecular mechanisms and its regulation of DNA replication. The project mainly involves work with purified proteins and in vitro experiments, but also bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology are necessary for the project.

Eligibility: An achieved doctoral degree is compulsory for a position as postdoctor at Göteborg University. The doctoral thesis shall be in a relevant area according to the specific position stated here. Since a position as postdoctor aims to give new holders of the doctorate the opportunity mainly to strengthen and develop their scholarly proficiency, we aim for those who have a doctoral degree not older than 3 years counting from last date of application. The qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance. Assessment: The ideal candidate will have experience in biochemistry and in vitro analyses of protein function. Moreover, experience in cloning, mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, in vitro DNA replication, in vivo imaging but also bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology knowledge are desirable. The work involves collaboration within and outside the group, therefore good teamwork skills are important. Fluency in English is required since we work in a very international environment. Regulations for the evaluation of qualifications for academic positions are given in Chapter 4, Section 3 - 4 of the Higher Education Ordinance.